This Saturday’s $200,000 Battle of Lake Erie features many storylines, but racing fans may be surprised to hear that two competitors in the strong field have faced each other on two continents.
Lochinvar Art A and Leonidas A found their way to the United States at different times, but their paths had crossed long before Saturday’s “War on the Shore.”
Rewind the clock to 2020, when they met up for the first time in the Your Sold Real Estate Pace at Shepparton Harness Racing Club in Australia. That night, Leonidas A didn’t get the best of trips and Lochinvar Art A had his number winning by 1-1/2 lengths.
In their second meeting a couple of weeks later at Shepparton, Lochinvar Art A got away mid-pack with Leonidas A getting away towards the back of the field. Through the stretch, the first time, Lochinvar Art A was tipped to three-wide and took his shot at the leader, again drawing off to win easily.
They would continue their rivalry on another continent in the MGM Borgata Pacing Series, with Leonidas A getting a better post draw than his Australian counterpart. Both Lochinvar Art A and Leonidas A were forced to close from off the pace, but Leonidas A was able to work past rivals to finish a solid second, while Lochinvar Art finished fifth.
Both Australian rivals have taken different paths to the MGM Northfield Park, with Leonidas A opting to continue racing against Open company at Yonkers for trainer Matthew Medeiros. At the same time, Lochinvar Art A started against overnight company at The Meadowlands and was then invited to the Joe Auger Memorial at Harrah’s Philadelphia, where he finished third.
Trainer Shane Tritton has been pleased with Lochinvar Art A (pictured above), who has improved since the Borgata Pacing Series.
“'Arty' has done really well since the Borgata. We have stepped up his work and he has responded better than I could’ve imagined,” said Tritton. “We knew the Borgata was a long series and just had no luck in the final, but we feel he is sharper now.”
Lochinvar Art A drew post four in Saturday’s Battle of Lake Erie, a draw that Tritton feels benefits his horse.
“'Arty' loves to be driven aggressive and get amongst the action. Post four will be perfect for his style.”
Driver Lauren Tritton will be the first female to drive in Northfield’s storied event on Saturday. Tritton, who has driven Lochinvar Art A since he arrived in the United States, is hoping she can continue to break down some of the barriers for women in harness racing.
“I hope I can inspire more girls to grab the reins," said Laura Tritton. "The Battle has always been a race we have followed, even from Australia. I am super excited to participate in it.”
No matter what happens on Saturday, Team Tritton is just happy to be a part of the action.
“Win, lose or draw, we are grateful to be a part of the Battle,” said Shane Tritton.
Trainer Matt Medeiros is no stranger to Northfield; along with the Jesmeral Stable, they brought Leonidas A (pictured below) to the 2022 Battle of Lake Erie. While the trip wasn’t favourable, Medeiros said that he got over the track well.
“He got locked in late in the mile, but raced well from start to finish,” he said.
Like the connections of Lochinvar Art A, Medeiros is looking forward to Saturday night. Drawing the rail, he is confident his gelding can leave and get a good trip.
“He tries really hard in every start and takes good care of himself," said Medeiros.
A great wagering menu will be on tap for horseplayers on Saturday night. The 11th race Battle of Lake Erie will have a $25,000 estimated $1 Pick-4 and superfecta wagering will be added. The 13th race, the MGM Buckeye Distaff, also has a $25,000 estimated Super Hi-5 pool.
Northfield will kick racing off at 6 p.m. and feature Charity Night presented by the Ohio Harness Horseman’s Association. Charity Night will feature nine different charities, each having the opportunity to race for a donation to their respective group.
(With files from Northfield Park)