On Tuesday, July 3 Northfield Park hosted four divisions of Ohio Sires Stake racing action as part of the Tuesday 12-race program. Two-year-old filly trotters and pacers competed in two divisions.
The trotters took to the stage first and Diplomats Mistress went virtually gate-to-wire to win the $16,900 first division. The race was Diplomats Mistress’ second start and she remains undefeated. The filly was victorious at Circleville on June 17. David Myers piloted her for owner/trainer Mike Sowers of Mc Arthur, Ohio.
Myers steered Diplomats Mistress through fractional times of :30.2, 1:03, 133.3 and 2:04.4. The clocking represents a lifetime mark for the Master Lavec filly and the Carry The Message mare Diplomatic Pouch. Finishing behind Diplomats Mistress was Look At Count, Trainer Dunn, MJs Victory Wish and Mamiesnightmare. Diplomats Mistress returned $7.00 for the win.
Royal Fricassee took the $16,900 second division for two-year old filly Ohio-breds for local trainer Ray Crawford. The Royal Strength filly from the Lucky Almahurst mare Fricassee started from post six and sustained successful first-over bid to overhaul Whizzy Izzy in the final quarter. Robin Miller drove for owners S. Kochilla, J. Crawford, R Crawford and R Hann.
It was the first career start for Royal Fricassee, who trotted in 2:03.4. Completing the race was Whizzy Izzy, Pinehille Lady, Lindas Diamond Lil, Ladys Starlett and Sheza Lavec. Royal Fricassee paid $4.80 to win.
The pacers were up next and Igottafeelinfran was as impressive as they come winning the $18,500 first division. Dan Noble drove the filly for trainer Jim Dailey and owners Jerry Zossell, Kathy Ratcliff and Kimberly Dailey.
The daughter of Feelin Friskie from the Expensive Scooter mare Fran Anna was used hard in the first quarter making the lead in :28.2. She proceeded to lead trough fractions of :57.2, 1:25.4 and a final time of 1:55.2 and held off a hard-charging Cating Around, who put in a formidable bid in the third quarter. The mile was Igottafeelinfran’s first pari-mutuel start on the heels of two successful qualifiers at Scioto Downs. Finishing in succession after the winner were Cating Around, Pink Camo, One Naughty Lady, Hawks Cry Believe, Two Friskie, Happy N Memphis, Cheat Sheet and Friskie Town. Igottafeelinfran returned $6.20 to win.
The final Ohio Sires Stake race of the evening was the $18,500 second division for two year-old filly pacers and it was raced under different conditions as a thunderstorm with heavy rains downgraded the track to sloppy.
Always D Lady was the beneficiary of a duel to capture the sires stake in 2:00.1. Driver Chris Page had Always D Lady (Stand Forever-Grey Lady D) perfectly placed in the garden spot behind Forever La Nigh and CGs Serious. When clearance surfaced, Page tipped the filly from the pocket and she impressively passed and held off her rivals to capture the victory.
Always D Lady is trained by Brian Brown for owners County Club Acres, Daniel Wozniak and AWS Stables. Following Always D Lady were Norma Jean, Sassy Two Sox, Ideal Summer, Forever La Nigh, Stylish Dapper, CGs Serious and Lovintouchinfeelin. Always D Lady paid $7.80 to win.
(Northfield Park)