The Great Northeast Open Series will be back in action at the two eastern Pennsylvania tracks this weekend, as there will be an Open Pace at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono on Saturday night and an Open Trot at Harrah’s Philadelphia the next afternoon.

Saturday’s Open Pace at Pocono will bring together four of the top five horses in the series’ divisional standings. The only double-winner in the series to date, Rodeo Romeo, has drawn the rail and has been accorded the 2-1 early favouritism for driver Eric Carlson and trainer Chris Ryder. In his last start, Rodeo Romeo was third in the Commodore Barry Pace at Harrah’s Philadelphia, behind top four-year-old Filibuster Hanover and the talented Australian import Heaven Rocks A.

Second in the series standings, and set to parade second, will be Rockeyed Optimist, who has come to good recent form for trainer Jake Leamon. Anthony Napolitano will be in the sulky behind the horse that has recorded a first and a second thus far in the competition. The other two top five horses, Bettors Edge (PP4) and Mach It So (PP5), didn’t fare nearly as well at the post draw, as they drew the outside Post 7 and Post 6, respectively.

On Sunday afternoon at Harrah’s Philadelphia, the Open Trot has drawn a full field of nine. Having been accorded early favoritism from the rail is Such An Angel (George Napolitano Jr.), who heads into the race off of a lifetime-best victory of 1:52.2. The Sunday assignment will prove to be the toughest field Such An Angel has faced to this point. The race is set to include millionaireness Broadway Donna, a two-time divisional champion, and four other horses that have bankrolled over $400,000 in their careers.

(With files from PHHA / Pocono / Harrah’s)