Homebred digs in to win Filly-Mare Open Pace

Northfield, OH – The homebred daughter of Dude’s The Man, Dudes Sweet Bet, fought off all challengers on her way to another harness racing victory on Saturday (April 29) night’s $19,000 featured Filly & Mare Open Pace.

While Cyclone Seelster (Billy Davis Jr.) got the jump on the field and made the lead heading into the first turn, Dudes Sweet Bet (Chris Lems) wasted no time challenging the leader clearing before a quarter in :26.4.

By the stands for the first time, the outer flow began to develop with Mystical Virgin (Kurt Sugg), Tiny Bit Of Sky (James Day, and Coastal (Ron Burke) lining up to take a shot at Dudes Sweet Bet, getting to the half in :55.2.

Getting to three-quarters in 1:23.3, Tiny Bit Of Sky tipped off cover three-wide around Mystical Virgin, giving Dudes Sweet Bet her first real challenge of the race as the pace quickened. Into the final turn, Lems continued to drive Dudes Sweet Bet confidently, as the mare looked strong on the lead fending off all pursuers.

Through the stretch, Davis pulled Cyclone Seelster into the passing lane but couldn’t work past Dude’s Sweet Bet, who dug in again to win by a head in 1:52.2. Diamondtequilashot (Luke Ebersole) closed in between horses to finish third, while favorite Blue Ivy (Aaron Merriman) rallied to be fourth.

Owned and bred by driver Chris Lems, by trained by Jordan Hope, the 4-year-old has $265,982 in career earnings, with 11 victories in 32 starts. Dudes Sweet Bet was also bred by the Triple C Stables LLC. Dudes Sweet Bet returned $12.40 to win.

DUDES SWEET BET REPLAY

Live racing resumes on Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. MGM Northfield Park currently races on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. For more information on live racing and promotions, visit here.

For complete race results, click here.

by Michael Carter, for MGM Northfield Park