Kandy Sweet puts some “icing” on the cake at Northfield

Northfield, Ohio…February 11, 2024…With harness racing celebrating being “back in business” at Northfield Park, Kandy Sweet (Team Six), handled by Larry Ferrari, put some “icing” on the cake on Saturday, February 10, by winning the Great Lakes Amateur Driving Association (GLADA) trot.

The seven-year-old took charge early and withstood challenges the final half mile to prevail by a nose in 1:59.3 on yet another cold night south of Lake Erie.

Admiral Blaze, handled by Edward Miller, found some room along the pylons turning for home and just did miss the marbles in finishing second while Deliciousstone DK, driven by Lauren Harmon, was next—outside the entire mile and challenging from the halfway marker.

Triumphant Chip was fourth for Eric Miller while MNC and Braiden Rhoades picked up the nickel.

Off at 1 to 5 on the tote-board, Kandy Sweet, leaving from post four, was alert leaving and in a battle with second choice Admiral Blaze, post three, with Kandy Sweet forced to a hot :28.4 opener on this cold night.

Once on top, Kandy Sweet was able to get a :31.3 breather to get to the half in a more comfortable 1:00.2 as Deliciousstone DK moved along side.

That necessitated a :28.3 third panel with Kandy Sweet and Deliciousstone DK looking eat other in the eye leaving Admiral Blaze looking for room to roam.

Turning for home, with Kandy Sweet in front, Admiral Blaze found that seam at the pylons and these two were nearly inseparable at the wire with Kandy Sweet a nostril up at the wire.

KANDY SWEET REPLAY

It was the 25th lifetime win for Kandy Sweet leaving driver Larry Ferrari to lament, “To tell you the truth, I wasn’t sure who won…it was that close. It took a quick opener to get to the top but that second quarter breather helped but, having said that, we were pushed pretty hard during the third quarter to hold the challenger off and just did get there…a “head bob” as some say!”

Trained by Cory Crosier for owner Ameer Najor, Kandy Sweet now has career earnings of $304,562 with 17 of her 25 lifetime wins being on the front end.

Amateur driver Larry Ferrari is on a “bit” of a roll himself as he has won his last three drives in amateur competition dating back to December 30 of last year with So Wishfull and continuing on January 12 with Wild And Crazy Guy before this latest win. He has 384 career wins in the U.S.

Kandy Sweet paid $2.60 to her multitude of faithful.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by John Berry, for GLADA