from the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association, in conjunction with The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono and Harrah’s Philadelphia

Wilkes-Barre, PA — All three classifications within the Great Northeast Open Series will have $30,000 divisions this weekend, with the open pacers being the very first race on the big Sun Stakes Saturday elimination card at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono this Saturday (June 23), while the next afternoon will see open trotters and mare pacers at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

Considering that the Franklin eliminations drew 20 horses with a combined lifetime bankroll of $22.7 million and an average mark of 1:48.3, the Great Northeast open pacing event got a pretty good field of seven. They have combined earnings of $6.3 million and an average mark of 1:48.4.

Rodeo Romeo, currently No. 1 in GNOS points for his group, has been installed the 5-2 favorite from post four for driver George Napolitano; No. 3 (Rockeyed Optimist) and No. 4 (Bettor’s Edge) are also in here, along with Pure Country taking on the boys.

In Sunday’s action at Philadelphia, Guardian Angel AS, undefeated in two starts this year and coming off a win in Graduate Series action, has been tabbed a slight favorite starting from post three for driver Tim Tetrick. But non-ignorable are the shadows cast here by two mighty mares, both of whom have won two season’s champion Dan Patch awards — Ariana G and Broadway Hall, the latter already a GNOS winner.

Blue Moon Stride, with a long series of recent fine efforts including a first and a second in the GNOS, has been made the 9-5 favorite, with Corey Callahan in the bike from post two. Agent Q, victorious in her only two GNOS starts and No. 1 in points in her division, is the second choice, and would surprise no one with a top effort on Sunday.