by Keith Gisser, director of publicity, Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — A field of 14 3-year-old pacing colts entered Northfield Park’s Heineken Premium Light Cleveland Classic, forcing two $87,600, seven-horse divisions for Saturday’s (June 23) race. First race post time for the 14-race card is 7:00 p.m., with the Heineken Premium Light Cleveland Classic splits scheduled for 9:35 p.m. and 10:50 p.m.

Hot Rod Mindale has been given a slight edge in the first division, as Director of Racing Gregg Keidel made him the 5-2 morning line choice, with Ed Mullinax’s Up Front Barry being named the 7-2 second choice. Brett Miller is expected to drive Hot Rod Mindale, but was also listed on Up Front Barry. Daniel Dube will likely drive whichever horse Miller chooses not to drive.

The second Classic split, carded as the 11th race, appears much tougher on paper. That race includes 5-2 Chicago-based favorite Home Bed Advantage, 3-1 second choice Takeshigemichi, Ohio Sires Champ K F St Patrick and Big Al’s Delight.

Takeshigemichi is the fastest horse in the race, while Home Bed Advantage is a double world champion. With over $421,000 in career earnings, Home Bed Advantage has earned more than all seven horses in the first Heineken Premium Light Cleveland Classic heat.

$87,600 Classic First Division — Race 8
Post – Horse – Driver – Trainer – Morning Line
1. Gordie How – Kurt Sugg – Kurt Sugg – 9-2
2. Downtown Showdown – Aaron Merriman – Richard Redder – 8-1
3. Up Front Barry – Miller/Dube – William Elliott – 5-2 or 7-2
4. Hot Rod Mindale – Miller/Dube – Jim Arledge, Jr. – 5-2 or 7-2
5. Won The West – Greg Grismore – Mickey Burke – 6-1
6. Quandary Hanover – Sam Schillaci – Jodi Schillaci – 12-1
7. Real Platinum – TBA – Tom Brinkerhoff – 15-1

$87,600 Classic Second Division—Race 11
Post – Horse – Driver – Trainer – Morning Line
1. Whistling Hanover – Aaron Merriman – Mark Capone – 12-1
2. Caviart Cody – TBA – Jim Arledge, Jr. – 15-1
3. Big Al’s Delight – Greg Grismore – Mickey Burke – 6-1
4. KF St Patrick – Russ Swartz – Mike Medors – 9-2
5. Takeshigemichi – Dan Dube – Tony Mannino – 3-1
6. Home Bed Advantage – Brett Miller – David McCaffrey – 5-2
7. Bow Echo – Kurt Sugg – Kurt Sugg – 10-1