Respect is not given, it's earned. And when the bankroll reads more than $750,000, Ms Mac N Cheese has certainly earned more than just respect over the course of her on-track career.
Back to defend her title as the best open pacer in Cape Breton, Ms Mac N Cheese battled and emerged victorious from the $1,200 Winners Over Pace on Saturday (July 21) at Northside Downs.
Saddled with the outermost post six in the Saturday feature, Ms Mac N Cheese was asked early by trainer-driver-owner David Ratchford and had to work for the front end. With Surrealist (Ryan Campbell) and Boknows Momngranny (Greg Sparling) also sent strongly from the gate, Ms Mac N Cheese didn't clear to the lead until after the :28.1 opening panel -- a punishing pace over a track listed as three seconds off. Ratchford was able to back down that tempo and steal a soft middle half through a :59.3 half and 1:30.4 third panel with little threat to the front end.
Campbell had a fresh threat in the pocket with Boknows Momngranny and right-lined his mount turning for home. With the wire rapidly approaching, Boknows Momngranny gained on the leader with every stride but could not pass the classy mare as Ms Mac N Cheese held on by a neck in 2:00.3. Surrealist completed the triactor.
The win is the 27th lifetime for Ms Mac N Cheese (Badlands Hanover - Mr Delis Filly), who now sports a career bankroll of $751,882.
To view the results from Saturday's card at Northside, click the following link: Saturday Results - Northside Downs.