Heavy favourite Lydeo continued her winning ways on Saturday, June 15 with a convincing victory in the $28,082 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace at MGM Northfield Park.
Caught three-wide into the initial turn, Lydeo (Aaron Merriman) had to work to get around Lady Rita (Justin Irvine) and Magical Mistress (Elliott Deaton) but managed to clear into the backstretch. Lydeo, who cruised last week, took the field to the opening quarter in a sensible :27.3.
Getting to the half in an uncontested :57.2, Lydeo was very comfortable on the lead. Chedda Chedda (Billy Davis Jr.) began a first-over bid for the lead, with Creme Delight (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) in tow.
Davis popped the plugs into the backstretch and Chedda Chedda continued to inch forward on Lydeo. At three-quarters in 1:25.2, Lydeo kicked clear, opening up on her rivals.
Through the stretch, Lydeo drew off and won by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:53.3. Magical Mistress finished second and Lady Rita was third.
Owned by trainer Randy Bendis, Reed Broadway and Pollack Racing LLC, the five-year-old mare by Sweet Lou pushed her career earnings to $324,251 with her second straight win.
Live harness racing resumes at Northfield Park on Sunday, June 16 at 6 p.m.
(With files from Northfield Park)