by Keith Gisser, publicity director, Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — Northfield’s richest race of the year, the $150,000 Jay Auto Group Cleveland Classic, has a storied past that has seen Precious Bunny, Western Hanover, Life Sign, Western Dreamer, Gallo Blue Chip and others take home the trophy.

This year’s 21st edition goes to post on Saturday, Dec. 4, making it one of the last chances for 3-year-old pacing colts to pick up a stakes win.

Among the 36 colts nominated to the race are Jackets Required and Woodstock, who were supplemental nominees in February. Woodstock has a mark of 1:50.3 and qualified for the $300,000 final of the Cane Pace at Freehold Raceway.

Another top contender is Meirs Hanover, who has recovered from a bout with colic that nearly killed him to win his last two starts, including a 1:51.2 win this past Saturday at the Meadowlands. Ron Burke trains the son of Artsplace for Ohio owners Michael Van Dusen, Michael Cimaglio and Strollin Stables.

Troy McDougal and Howard Alexander’s Bombastic is another solid player, with eight wins this year, including his last two at The Meadows. He has a lifetime mark of 1:51.4, taken in a $45,500 Keystone Classic at the Washington, Pa., track.

Schedule change kicks-off at Northfield

It’s November and that means Northfield Park is now racing live five nights a week, with Wednesday evenings added to the schedule. The Route Eight oval features live harness racing with a 7 p.m. (ET) first post every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through February of 2011, with a few holiday exceptions.

There is no live racing Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, or on New Year’s Eve. There are a pair of special Sunday cards added, on December 19 and 26.

Northfield is now open for noon simulcasting Sunday through Thursday through the end of the year.