The American Graded Stakes Committee has set July 2004 as the target date for implementation of a more stringent drug testing policy for all graded stakes that will require tests for more than 140 parent drugs and their metabolites.

The committee initially hoped to launch the testing protocol, which would be required for a stakes to keep its grade eligibility, on Jan. 1. However, it was decided to delay implementation at least until summer because of scientific and logistical problems revealed while the program was being tested this fall at Keeneland, Belmont Park, and Santa Anita Park, committee chairman Steven Duncker said