by Mike Wandishin, for Bluegrass Downs

Paducah, KY — Fan Favorite Cole Diddy, winner of over $360,0000 lifetime heads a six-race opening card at Bluegrass Downs on Friday night (May 25). The 13-year-old son of The Panderosa faces four foes in the opener, all of which have earned over $100,000 lifetime.

From the rail out the field is: River Runs Thru It (Lawrence Cooper); Cole Diddy (Randy Crisler); Sea Bug (Paul Walker); Jingle Bell Rocker (Randy Crisler) and Trey (Darrell Moore).

Leading driver Randy Crisler will be on hand to begin his defense of his title and is listed on multiple drives throughout the evening.

First post will be 6 p.m. and qualifiers will be held Friday at a time to be determined; either before or after the card depending on number of entrants.

The box for qualifiers will close at 10 a.m. on Thursday throughout the meet for qualifiers and all horsemen are reminded that for 2018 no horses shall be permitted on the grounds unless the requirements below are met according to Tim Schmitz, presiding judge:

-All horses must have a current EHV vaccination file (dated this year 2018) and a negative Coggins test within one year

-All Horses shipping into the track for the first time must present a valid certificate of veterinary inspection dated within 72 hours of entry with temperature on certificate