Think Of Galaxies and driver Chris Lems worked out a perfect trip from post three to score a thrilling victory in the $18,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace at MGM Northfield Park on Saturday, Dec. 16.
Before her victory on Saturday, Think Of Galaxies had only competed in Northeast Ohio a handful of times, with only one victory, coming against Open Company.
Think Of Galaxies left brazenly from post three, clearing inside rivals into the first turn; that lead, however, was short-lived as Treacherous Penny (Aaron Merriman) darted off the wings and was intent on the lead, clearing mid-way into the turn. Race favourite Alexa Skye (Billy Davis Jr.) had to work hard to make the lead, finally clearing after a blistering :27 first quarter.
Alexa Skye got things her own way in the second quarter facing no pressure and getting a big :29.3 breather. A Girl That Twirls (Elliott Deaton) began a first-over bid and began to apply severe pressure into the backstretch for the final time.
A Girl That Twirls began to tire around the far turn as Treacherous Penny was able to weave her way through traffic and make a three-wide bid for the lead. Through the stretch, horses were coming from everywhere, but Think Of Galaxies found another gear, using the passing lane to win by a half-length in 1:55. Treacherous Penny was second over Alexa Skye and Smothastenesewisky (Ryan Stahl).
Think Of Galaxies, a five-year-old daughter of So Surreal, pushed her earnings to $361,792 with the victory for owner Thestable Thinkofgalaxies and trainer Jason McGinnis.
So Wishfull Takes Amateur Trot For Ferrari
So Wishfull and driver Larry Ferrari teamed up to win the evening's Great Lakes Amateur Driving Association’s (GLADA) weekly feature.
So Wishfull, the seven-year-old gelded son of Wishing Stone, led his seven foes at every call and had 2-1/2 lengths of daylight under the moonlight at the wire, stopping the timer in 1:57.1. Muscles For Life (Steve Oldford) was in the garden spot through the journey and finished second while Dontyousayit (Christina Johnson), nearly 10 lengths out of it halfway through, closed fastest of all to get third. Wild And Crazy Guy (Brandon Rhoades) was next with Fly Jesse Fly (Lauren Harmon) picking up the nickel.
Leaving from mid-pack post five, Ferrari sent his charge flying off the wings and out-duelled the 10-year-old Muscles For Life to take command early, and had an open lead of close to two lengths at the opening station in :29.1. From there, a perfectly rated second panel brought So Wishful to a half in a leisurely :59.2.
It was right there that Wild And Crazy Guy made his bid as he reached second on the outside but So Wishfull pricked his ears back and trotted his third panel in :28.1 to thwart that threat and actually widened his lead a bit turning for home and coasted to the line.
One simulcast veteran in Florida described the drive saying, “That was Stanley Dancer rating if I ever saw it!”
In a post-race interview, Ferrari said, “You know, So Wishfull gives it all he’s got every time he steps on the track and he had been drawing outside the last couple of starts and had too much to overcome with some bad racing luck.
“Tonight, he had a bit better post and a good spot to get in the game earlier. He did the work tonight and I enjoyed the ride!”
Owned by Kiesha Ferrari, So Wishfull won for the seventh time this season to vault his earnings to $47,501—his best season ever. He also had his best lifetime mark this semester with a 1:54.2 mile over the half-mile oval.
Sent off as the 8-5 toteboard favourite, So Wishfull paid $5.40 to his many faithfull.
Live harness racing resumes at Northfield on Sunday, Dec. 17 with a first post of 6 p.m.
(With files from Northfield Park & GLADA)