by Keith Gisser, director of publicity, Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — Northfield’s November To Remember Series kicked off with the first leg of the horse/gelding trot on Monday (November 5). Each of three divisions chased a $3,000 purse and favorites were dominant until the final split.

In the first heat, 1-9 Athlete In Action posted an 18-plus length win with a gate-to-wire, 2:01.3 effort over a “sloppy track” on an evening that featured sustained 20 mph winds. Jeff Conger drove the Yankee Glide gleding to his sixth victory in 11 starts for owner Wayne Mast, Jr. and trainer Wes Hershberger. Bizzness Trip was second and Samurai’s Revenge finished third.

Indiana invader Deputy Gabriel ($3.20) took the second split in line to Aaron Merriman. His 2:02.4 mile bested Hoofner and Victory’s Desire. A 3-year-old gelding by Elliott’s Express, he has now won 11 races for owner-trainer Jason Smith.

The final division featured the most action and the most drama as 8-5 favorite Rose Run Ichabod broke leaving the gate. Take The Profit eventually took control after trotting three-wide until past the quarter. The 10-1 shot appeared home free, but 4-1 Tom, driven by Matt Kakaley, wore down the leader to get to the wire first in 2:04.2. Tom, a Superstar Sahbra gelding, then had to survive a driver’s objection for interference before being declared the winner. 20-1 Jailhouse Justice closed to be second and Take The Profit got the show spot. Bob Slowey owns and trains Tom.

Tuesday, November 6, sees the track return to live Tuesday racing and features the November To Remember Series for fillies and mares, both on the pacing and trotting side.