by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Northfield, OH — Wiggle It Jiggleit has been named the overwhelming 3-5 morning line favorite in Friday’s (Aug. 14) $405,000 Carl Milstein Memorial. The Milstein is a Grand Circuit race for 3-year-old colt pacers.

Wiggle It Jiggleit has won 15 of 17 lifetime starts and has already captured the $500,000 Hempt Memorial at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono and the $706,000 Meadowlands Pace this year.

The Carl Milstein Memorial’s $405,000 purse is the largest ever offered in Northfield’s 58-year history.

Below is the field:

$405,000 Carl Milstein Memorial
HN-Horse-Post-Driver-Line
1-Go Daddy Go-Peter Wrenn-Robert McIntosh-15-1
2-Lyons Levi Lewis-Ronnie Wrenn Jr.-Ron Burke-10-1
3-Lost For Words-David Miller-Brian Brown-4-1
4-Wiggle It Jiggleit-Montrell Teague-Clyde Francis-3-5
5-Allbeef N Nobull-Chris Page-Ron Burke-12-1
6-Rock N’ Roll World-Aaron Merriman-Mark Silva-20-1
7-The Wayfaring Man-Aaron Merriman-Nicky Comegna-25-1
8-Wakizashi Hanover-Tim Tetrick-Joann Looney-King-9-2

The race is named in honor of Carl Milstein, who owned and operated Northfield Park from 1984 until his death in 1999. His son, Brock Milstein, immediately took over as Chairman of Northfield Park and is now also the Chairman of Milstein Entertainment, LLC, majority owner of the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park.

In 1972, the senior Milstein, a Cleveland builder and real estate developer, headed a group of several partners, including George Steinbrenner, who purchased Northfield Park. They leased the facility to other operators through the early 1980s. The track lost significant amounts of money during that period before Milstein took full ownership and control. In late 1984 he successfully applied to the Ohio State Racing Commission for the necessary licenses and, beginning in January 1985, conducted permanent race meetings at Northfield of between 212 and 238 days every year.

Milstein was the driving force behind a resurgence of the beleaguered track, which ascended to among harness racing’s top tracks in attendance and handle. He was an innovator in promotions and advertising and successfully led the track into the era of simulcast racing.

This year’s Milstein Memorial program carries total purses of $663,500. The 15-race program includes four $40,000 Ohio Sires Stakes races for sophomore filly pacers and trotters and three $20,000 Open events.

Another added attraction on the track will be the “Legends Driver Challenge,” featuring Northfield’s leading drivers of days gone by. Last year’s winner, Dan Ross, will try to defend his title against Gerry Bookmyer, William Irvine, Keith Kash and Don McKirgan, as well as newcomers Jeff Fout, Del S. Miller and William Popio. The eight veteran reinsmen have all won driving titles at Northfield during a span that covered the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

The Milstein crowd will enjoy food trucks on the outdoor apron from 6-10 p.m. and Northfield Park dice games and the Majic 105.7 prize wheel with Chip Kullik from 7-9 p.m. Classic rock band Unknown Reason will be performing on the trackside apron from 6 to 10 p.m. ESPN Cleveland WKNR’s Bruce Hooley will be broadcasting live from 5-7 p.m.

Lady Luck’s Clubhouse Restaurant will be offering a $19.95 signature buffet, inspired by Hard Rock Rocksino Executive Chef Chris Poplin. Due to the expected large crowd reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 330.467.4101.

First race post time for the Carl Milstein Memorial card is 6 p.m. Parking and admission are always free at Northfield Park.