Pink invaded MGM Northfield Park on Saturday night (Oct. 23) as ladies from all over the Midwest invaded the Flying Turns to compete in the $10,000 Lady Drivers Showdown.
As the gate sprung, several leavers were vying for the lead. Justin Credible (Rachel Kaneoka), Totally Kissed (Nadine Habke), and Itsmycheck GB (Ulrika Karlsson) tussled to the opening quarter in :27.3. When Itsmycheck GB finally cleared the lead, he kicked clear by two lengths, but coming to the half in :56.2 had to deal with pressure from first-over Totally Kissed.
Heading to the three-quarter pole in 1:26.1, Itsmycheck GB tried to create some separation from the field, but Blue Spanx made a three-wide sweeping move to take over the lead. Once clearing, Jones never looked back, drawing off through the stretch to an 8-1/2-length victory in 1:54.3.
For Jones, it was the second year in a row winning the Lady Drivers Showdown, and Blue Spanx made it three victories in his last four starts in the event.
With the victory, Blue Spanx elevated his earnings to $215,756, and that was his 30th career win in his 231st start. He is owned by Joseph Boza and trained by Keith Kash Jr.
The race also featured the “Most Pinked Out Horse,” with the award going to the most decorated horse in the race. Itsmycheck GB took home the honours, decorated by the Billy Rhoades Stable.
MGM Northfield Park thanks all participants (Rachel Kaneoka, Amy Wengerd, Nadine Habke, Jamie Coffy, Mandy Jones, Ulrika Karlsson, Emily Hay, Amanda Mills and Rosy Weaver) and horsemen for making the Lady Drivers Showdown a success.
(Northfield Park)