by Jennifer Starr, for The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono

Wilkes-Barre, PA — The weather looks sufficiently cold and gloomy on Halloween night, the perfect setting for the Grey Ghost and Poltergeist Pace at the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono sponsored by the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame. The race with all grey horses is the fourth on the 14-race card. Post positions were assigned.

Making his fifth start in this Halloween pace is Gotta Love Him for trainer Cindy Weitoish. The 9-year-old veteran won this race in 2014 and 2015, and his owners are hoping that his first win this year will be by the light of the ghostly All Hallows’ Eve moon. He has the third biggest earnings in this field, currently at $208,515, and is 12-1 with driver Austin Siegelman.

White Rolls won this race in 2016 with driver Jim Marohn Jr. and the duo re-team for this year. Michael Hall trains the 4-year-old, with odds of 3-1.

Another returning “Grey Ghost” is Six Gun, who comes in from racing at Harrah’s Philadelphia. He’s now in the Paul Stratton barn, and has five wins in 26 starts this year. The gelding is at 5-1 and George Napolitano Jr.’s driver choice.

Simon Allard drives Donald Doc, new to Team Allard and to this race. The 4-year-old is making his first start at Pocono after racing at Tioga.

Another new face is Toejamminmomma for Valeriya Medik, one of three mares in this field, who qualified at Pocono on Oct. 18 and hasn’t raced since June 11 in the Open at Goshen, finishing fourth. Jim Taggart Jr. steps in to drive.

Anthony Ciuffetelli ships in with Forever Effie, who has been racing at Saratoga, and is 11 for 27 in the money this year. Andrew McCarthy drives.

Winter Blast at 6-1 returns from Canada for trainer Carmen Auciello, and had a start last week at Yonkers, finishing fifth on a sloppy track. Eric Carlson has the reins.

On what will be Doug Hamilton’s last official night of training before he retires, Stirling Escort enters the race off a second at Pocono this past Saturday evening, and is 4-1 with driver Matt Kakaley.

Another new face is Gadsden Hanover, trained by Mark Ford. Racing primarily at Yonkers, the mare is the morning line favorite at 5-2. Anthony Napolitano drives.

The horses are ready. The winner’s circle is decorated. The paddock team and racing staff will be in costume. Bring the kids in costume for a fun night. There’s plenty of candy and other treats; a special photo area; and the Harness Museum has lots of great souvenirs for sale. Post time for the night is 6:30 p.m.