by Anne Doolin, for Scioto Downs

Columbus, OH — The entry box for Saturday’s (April 28) qualifying races at Scioto Downs, the third such session of the spring, was overflowing this morning, with 143 entries. A total of 19 races are carded, starting at 10:30 a.m. Entries will be posted at www.ustrotting.com.

Scioto Downs kicks off its 2007 meet in a week — on Friday, May 4 — with a new earlier post time of 6:30 p.m. The south Columbus track will race 80 dates, going on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights through September 15. Three matinee cards are also scheduled — on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, with a 1:00 p.m. post and the popular Family Day activities for horse lovers of all ages.

Opening night is also the first of the meet-long Friday night Budweiser Happy Hours, with Budweiser specials offered from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at all walk-up bars at the track. The last Friday of each month will also feature a Handicapping Happy Hour, with a handicapping contest open to the public.

Thursday night Patio Parties return in June, and will be held through August. Each Thursday, starting June 7, a different radio station will host the party on the Patio, with entertainment, contests, and food and drink specials.