Welcome To The $175,000 Cleveland Classic
The 2009 Race is Saturday November 28
2009 Cleveland Classic Eligibles
KEEPING PACE with Keith Gisser
November 16, 2009
SUPPLEMENTAL CINDERELLA STORY? Sold to an Amish horseman in Maine for $700 earlier this year, three-year-old pacer Go Go Solano’s current connections are considering supplementing him to the $175,000 Cleveland Classic at Northfield on Saturday, November 28. In his last start, the $350,000 Progress Pace at Dover Downs, Go Go Solano finished second after taking the lead and then getting shuffled back before rallying late. Go Go Solano was sold for $54,000 at a New Jersey sale, and after racing in Canada, was purchased by Pat Rizzo and Solon resident Richard Lombardo for about $100,000 in late August. The son of Bettors Delight now shows a 2009 summary of 11 starts-6 wins-5-seconds, with $291,998 in the bank. His lifetime mark of 1:51 was taken at Vernon Downs in New York. Supplemental entries, for horses not previously nominated to the race, cost $15,000.
OTHER CLASSIC STUFF- Classic hopeful Bob Watts had a rough night at Northfield Saturday. Sent off as the 3-5 favorite in a $5,000 Open Pace, he made a break leaving the gate and was never a factor… The Cleveland Classic features a $40,000 Mystery Tote Voucher night, with preferred patrons receiving betting vouchers which may be redeemed between 6 and 10 PM on November 28… Lady Luck’s Clubhouse Restaurant is rapidly filling up for Cleveland Classc night, but tables are still available by calling 330-467-4101, or e-mailing reservations@northfieldpark.com… A pair of Classic hopefuls raced Saturday at Balmoral Park, near Chicago, in the $265,000 American National. Sheer Desire finished third, grinding out a first-over trip to challenge Standupnkissme, who also appears Classic-bound. Standupnkissme tired late, finishing fifth.
KEEPING PACE with Keith Gisser
November 9, 2009
CLEVELAND, CLASSICALLY SPEAKING- Northfield’s $175,000 Cleveland Classic for three-year-old pacing colts is Saturday, November 28, and while Sheer Desire heads the list of 39 nominees, a number of solid sophomore colts are eligible to the stake. Ohio bred Standupnkissme, now owned by Francis Azur, has earned $200,000 lifetime and would be a major player. Sheer Desire took some time off in October but has won two straight qualifiers at the Meadows, the most recent on November 6. Steve Carter has a pair of possibles in Bob Watts, a 1:52.2 winner at the Delaware (OH) Fair, and Really Rockin. Retired Amherst auto dealer Ed Mullinax has five Classic eligible colts. Entries are due Wednesday, November 25 by 9 AM for the track’s richest race of the year
PROMOTIONS GALORE- The Cleveland Classic features a $40,000 Mystery Tote Voucher night, with preferred patrons receiving betting vouchers which may be redeemed between 6 PM and 10 PM on November 28…
Upfront Hannahsboy, Blueridge Western Take 2008 Cleveland Classic Splits
Favored Blueridge Western ($2.80) won the second division of the Cleveland Classic for three-year-old pacing colts at Northfield Park Saturday, leading every step of the mile to post a 2 ½ length, 1:53 win. Dave Palone drove the winner for trainer Mickey Burke and owner George Leon. Leon also won the 2006 Classic with True North Hanover, and for trainer Burke, it made three wins in three years, as he took a division of the race last year with Won The West. Western Outfitter was second and Dragoon K finished third.
Earlier, Ed Mullinax’s Upfront Hannahsboy ($2.40) dominated the first division of the Cleveland Classic, going gate-to-wire in 1:52.4 over a good track, slowed by a torrential evening downpour. Lookout Hanover was second and Stonebridge Magnum finished third. Northfield’s leading driver, Aaron Merriman drove the Jim Arledge-trainee to his third victory in five seasonal starts, as he pushed his career earnings over $215,000. Upfront Hannahsboy was 5 ¼ lengths ahead at the wire.