by Keith Gisser, publicity director, Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — The field for the $100,000 Battle of Lake Erie is beginning to take shape, although three weeks out nothing is etched in stone.

Racing fans will see a Virgil Morgan, Jr.-trainee in the June 27 race, but it probably won’t be Mister Big.

Blueridge Western, trained by Kevin McDermott for Pennsylvania owner Francis Azur, will try to become the fourth horse to win both the Cleveland Classic and the Battle, following in the hoof prints of Village Connection, Western Dreamer and Gallo Blue Chip. With over $920,000 in the bank and a start or two left before the big race, he could go over the million-dollar mark with a win.

Foiled Again will attempt to become the first son of a Battle winner to take the Battle. He was sired by 2000 Battle champ Dragon Again.

Acting Race Secretary Dave Bianconi is also looking at invitees to Hoosier Park’s Dan Patch (slated for June 20) to see if anyone is interested in a Midwest Double.

Shadow Play may make a visit to the home of the Flying Turns for the Battle, as could Jeremy’s Successor and Biletnikoff. A pair of Ohio-breds, J P Jackpot and Psilvuheartbreaker, are also on the Bianconi radar.

We constantly update contenders at www.northfieldpark.com.

Add a Wednesday

Due to an unexpected overage of horses, Northfield has scheduled a live racing date for Wednesday night, June 17. Post time will be 7:00 (EDT) as usual. This is a make-up date for a weather-related cancellation on Wednesday, January 28.

The condition sheet for the added date is available by clicking on this link. The card will be drawn Friday, June 12, with the entry box closing at 9 a.m.

Northfield opens around noon for simulcasting on June 17, and features its Recovery Wednesday 4-in-1 promotion, with free $2 bets, prize drawings, partial refunds for losing tickets and reduced concession prices until 6 p.m. Northfield’s clubhouse restaurant, barbecue stand and Trackside Lounge and Patio will all be open the evening of Wednesday, June 17.