by Tom LaMarra, USTA Web Newsroom Correspondent

Columbus, OH — Standardbred tracks in Ohio have applied for 375 live racing dates for 2013 — 14 more days than were requested for 2012.

Applications submitted to the Ohio State Racing Commission show two racetracks asked for more days next year, and two for fewer days. The applications will be discussed in detail at future OSRC meetings.

Scioto Downs, the only track in the state with video lottery terminals thus far, requested 73 days, up from 56 this year. Wednesdays would be added to the schedule in 2013, making for a four-day week (Wednesday through Saturday) from May 8-Sept. 15.

Northfield Park asked for 211 live racing days, up one from this year. Racing would be held year-round as usual.

Northfield plans to race Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday nights through early June, and then replace Wednesdays with Saturdays through early July. Wednesdays would replace Saturdays through early November, when Saturdays would return.

Northfield proposes to be open for daytime full-card simulcasts on at least 38 Saturdays throughout 2013, according to OSRC documents.

Lebanon Raceway requested 49 days, down from 52. Meets would be held Feb. 22-June 8 and Sept. 27-Dec. 14, with racing Friday and Saturday nights.

Raceway Park seeks 42 days, down from 44 in 2012, with racing Saturday and Sunday nights.

In another change, Scioto Downs said it will remain open for full-card simulcast day and night year-round. The market-sharing agreement it has with Beulah Park contains language that allows a track to end the deal when one or both are operating VLTs.