by Keith Gisser, assistant publicity director, Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — Historically, horses from the Great White North have done well in the Battle of Lake Erie, and on April 21, Canadian-based Our Lucky Killean could add to that legacy.

The 6-year-old gelding has banked just over $800,000 lifetime, with his biggest win coming in the Molson Pace $227,500 Final at Western Fair Raceway (London, Ontario) last June, where he beat the ’06 Battle exacta of Buckeye One and Ponder.

Our Lucky Killean is trained by Canadian Casie Coleman, arguably the sport’s best female trainer, for owner Mac Nichol of St. Albert, Alberta. The son of Camluck has 19 career wins and a lifetime mark of 1:49.4, taken last year at Mohawk.

His connections have told Director of Racing Gregg Keidel that they plan to race in the Battle.

Also on the Battle front: The five $50,000 George Morton Levy legs at Yonkers Saturday saw likely Battle starters do extremely well. 2005 Battle champ Maltese Artist went gate-to-wire in his Levy split, winning in 1:53.2. Mister Big, driven by three-time local driving champ Greg Grismore, won the fastest of the five divisions, posting an “easier-than-it-appears-on-paper” 1:52 win.

Word comes from Canada and owner Ian Fromowitz that although defending champ and Ohio Horse of the Year Buckeye One is training down well in preparation for his 6-year-old campaign, he will not be ready to race on April 21.

Locally, Ab’s Beach Boy posted the fastest mile of the year at Northfield, winning Saturday’s Invitational Pace in 1:52. He is owned by Ambalal Patel and trained by Lamar Moody. Brett Miller drove the 4-year-old, who was competitive against the likes of Mister Big at The Meadowlands earlier in 2007.

Complete, updated Battle info is posted at www.northfieldpark.com/Battle%20of%20Lake%20Erie/Home.htm.

Don’t sweat the Battle: The first 3,000 fans paying regular $1.75 grandstand or $3.00 clubhouse admission on Battle of Lake Erie night receive a free sweatshirt. The 50-50 cotton blend, navy blue sweatshirt features the new Northfield Park logo in red and white. The sweatshirt is featured on Northfield’s website and in program ads and in-plant signage. And patrons, have no fear. It will look better on you than on our designated sweatshirt model, Dave Bianconi.

Group Sales Director Mary Randall reports that tables are filling up fast for the Battle. If you want to dine in the restaurant on April 21, call (330) 467-4101 and get your reservations in soon.

NCAA and a reminder: Our harness racing March Madness bracket wasn’t great, but the Ohio State Buckeyes, who we picked to win it all, are still alive.

The track opens early for simulcasting on Wednesday, April 4 and Monday, April 9, with free coffee and Dunkin’ Donuts for patrons from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m.