All three classifications within the Great Northeast Open Series will have $30,000 divisions this weekend.
The Open pacers has been carded as the very first race on the big Sun Stakes Saturday elimination card at Pocono this Saturday, while the next afternoon will see Open trotters and mare pacers at Harrah’s Philadelphia.
Considering that the Franklin eliminations drew 20 horses with a combined lifetime bankroll of $22.7 million and an average mark of 1:48.3, the Great Northeast open pacing event got a pretty good field of seven – they have combined earnings of $6.3 million and an average mark of 1:48.4. Rodeo Romeo, currently No. 1 in GNOS points for his group, has been installed the 5-2 morning line favourite from Post 4 for driver George Napolitano. No. 3 (Rockeyed Optimist) and No. 4 (Bettors Edge) will take their bets shot against Rodeo Romeo, as will Pure Country, who will take on the boys in what may be a preview of ‘Manchego vs. the Beal colts.’
In regard to Sunday’s action at Philadelphia, Guardian Angel AS – undefeated in two starts this year and coming off a win in Graduate Series action – has been tabbed a slight favourite (PP3, Tim Tetrick); but non-ignorable will be the shadows cast by two mighty mares, both of whom have won two season’s champion awards – Ariana G and Broadway Hall, the latter already a GNOS winner.
Blue Moon Stride – with a long series of recent fine efforts, including a first and a second in the GNOS – has been made the 9-5 early favourite, with Corey Callahan in the bike from Post 2. Agent Q, victorious in her only two GNOS starts and No. 1 in points in her division, is the second early choice, and would surprise no one with a top effort on Sunday.
(Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association, in conjunction with The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono and Harrah’s Philadelphia racetracks)