by Keith Gisser, assistant publicity director, Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — A pair of newcomers, Mac Port and Big Boy Josh, challenged R Cowboy in Monday’s (Feb. 12) $7,500 Open Trot at Northfield, but it made no difference as the 8-year-old Balanced Image gelding cruised to a gate-to-wire, 1:59.4 win as the 3-10 favorite.

Big Boy Josh, making his first start since May, was second and Mac Port, shipped in by Kayne Kauffman for owner Norris Lenahan, was a solid third at 40-1. Aaron Merriman drove the winner.

R Cowboy is owned and trained by Titus Schlabach of Sugarcreek, Ohio. The win, his 11th over the last year plus, pushed his career earnings to $179,545.