by Keith Gisser, assistant publicity director, Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — Greg Grismore took Western Millennium for a stroll in the Northfield Park Saturday, winning the track’s $9,000 Invitational Pace in a leisurely 1:56.1.

Although it was the top purse race of the night, three lower class races were faster and two equaled the clocking of the eight-year-old, who still holds the track’s veteran stallion pacing standard of 1:50.4.

Grismore steered the 4-5 favorite to a quick lead and posted fractions of :28.1, :57.4 and 1:26.4 en route to the win over Coastal Wind, who got the place spot despite never seeing the pylons. Sharky Osborne was third.

Troy McDougal trains and co-owns Western Millennium with Gail Nigro and Jacob Ramsburg.

Polo Jenn takes Mares Open in 1:55.2

Polo Jenn, owned by Jack Shearer, who was honored as Northfield Park’s Distinguished Owner at Tuesday’s Wall of Fame Ceremony, made an early move from fourth and ground out a one and a quarter length win in Friday’s $8,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace. The five-year-old daughter of Polo Player paid $26.20 to her backers.

Shutupandkissme took the early lead and posted fractions of :28.2, :57.3 and 1:26.2. While those fractions were moderate, she still faded in the stretch as Polo Jenn, True Blue Lu and A Diamond In June all went by. The 3-5 favorite, Hidden Affair, never fired and saw her three race win streak end.

Greg Grismore drove the winner for trainer Jeff Cox. It was Polo Jenn’s third win in 12 seasonal starts.

Grismore continues to chase leading driver Aaron Merriman in a tight race, as each posted three baggers on the card.