by Keith Gisser, publicity director, Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — The combination of four Scarlet and Gray Stakes for veteran Ohio-bred pacers and trotters, and the Ohio Sires Stakes for 3-year-old colts and gelding of both gaits, make Saturday, September 4, Northfield’s richest night of racing in 2010, with $260,000 in purses on the 14-race card which kicks off at 7 p.m. (EDT).

The $33,000 Scarlet and Gray Mare Trot, the third race of the night, features defending champ and divisional track record holder Tom’s Ok Lady, whose 1:56.2 win last year was the fastest ever by a veteran distaff trotter. She faces four challengers including That Fly’n Angel, B V’s Sister, She’s Not Red and Mom’s A Hustler.

The sixth race, the $41,000 Scarlet and Gray Horse Trot, features Dunkster, the fastest trotter in Northfield history, speedy Diamond Hunter, former champ Master’s Light and Trottin Troy in a well-balanced eight-horse field.

The veteran pacers take the stage in the seventh race, going after $44,000 in their Scarlet and Gray Stake. Defending champ Stringtowner has drawn post nine, and will be hard-pressed to defend his title against the likes of Valentowner, Jaguar Jet, Private Room and War Boots.

The final Scarlet and Gray of the evening goes postward as the eighth race and defending champ Osborne’s Gypsy, fresh off a blistering 1:54.2 qualifying win, will be among the favorites in the $38,000 event for older pacing mares. She has drawn post five, alongside stablemate Wildfire Osborne. The pair will be uncoupled for wagering. Other top contenders are Don’t Blame Her, Shell I Attack and Tu Tu Twain.

There are three $15,000 Ohio Sires Stakes for trotting colts and geldings and one $37,200 split for the pacing colts.

Among the drivers expected at Northfield are recent Hall of Fame inductee Dave Palone and Greg Grismore, a former three-time local driving champ.

For complete entries for Saturday’s card, go to www.northfieldpark.com/entries/090410.htm.