GLADA action from Northfield Park

Northfield, Ohio–Two stellar fields of amateur drivers competed in a pair of Great Lakes Amateur Driver Association events tonight at Northfield Park with Bill Rhoades and Vernon Beachy each winning their respective harness racing divisions; Rhoades with Guilty Desire in 1:58.1 and Beachy with Alan in 1:57.2.

Rhoades got the first call in his event when he guided Guilty Desire to the front from post two as Palmers Pride (Don Sherman) and Next Woman Up (Eddie Miller) settled in behind the leader. The three then raced in that order past the half in 1:00.3 and by the three quarters in 1:29.4 right to the top of the lane.

When they headed for home, Guilty Desire was still strong on the lead and went on to a 1-1/4 length triumph over Palmers Pride with Next Woman Up three lengths behind in third place.

Guilty Desire, a 6-year old gelding by Deweycheatumnhowe, is owned by Nick Clegg and trained by Betty Clegg. Sent off as third choice in the eight-horse field Guilty Desire paid $10.20 for the win.

GUILTY DESIRE REPLAY

In the other split Beachy took Alan off the gate from post six as a speed duel developed between Fulton’s Fury (Darrell Rideout) on the inside and Dominus Hanover (Tim Miller) on the limb.

The two tangled head-to-head past the quarter in;27.4 and by the half in :57.1. Up the backside they were joined by a host of others and as they headed to the three quarters Beachy moved Alan four- deep and scooted around the tiring leaders to gain command on the final turn.

From there Alan opened daylight on the field and cruised home an easy 4-1/4-length winner. Lauren Harmon, who went three wide with Hititoutofthepark as Alan cleared to the lead trotted home second best. Mesmerized gained the show dough for Manny Miller.

ALAN REPLAY

Alan, an altered 5-year son of Dontyouforgetit, is owned by Robert Sidley and trained by Crist Hershberger. Sent away as the favorite in the race Alan paid $4.40 for the win.

For full race results, click here.

by John Manzi, for the Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Association