by Keith Gisser, assistant publicity director, Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — The 8-year-old Balanced Image gelding R Cowboy continued his dominance of Northfield’s Open Trotting ranks on New Year’s Day, winning his fifth in seven tries and pushing his career earnings over $170,000 for owner-trainer Titus Schlabach.

Sunland Annabell was second and Blacksnake Blake got the show spot.

Newly crowned Northfield driving champ Aaron Merriman drove the winner, one of five wins on 2007’s debut card.

John D Wengerd tripled on Monday night.

Coal Black Beauty wraps up year in style

Ohio Minerals’ Coal Black Beauty, Northfield’s 2005 Horse of the Year, ended 2006 on a high note by winning Saturday’s (Dec. 30)$11,500 Invitational Pace at Northfield with a gate-to-wire, 1:54.1 effort. He defeated Ataboyart, who attempted to get by in the passing lane, and Western Empire.

Elliott Deaton drove the winner, a 5-year-old son of Towner’s Big Guy, who is trained by Wes Hershberger. It was his eighth win of the season and he pushed his career earnings to $231,290.

Merriman wraps up driving title

Aaron Merriman won three races on the Saturday card to win his first local driving title, while Deaton had a four-bagger.

Merriman had trailed three-time defending champ Greg Grismore by 70 wins heading into December, but a red-hot month, coupled with the champ splitting time between Northfield and Yonkers at the end of the month, put the 28-year-old over the top.