Rockin Bambi upsets Northfield pace

Northfield, OH — After battling sickness issues over the past couple of weeks, Rockin Bambi (Rockin Image) put it all together on Sunday (Oct. 22), winning the $22,000 Filly & Mare harness racing Distaff in come from behind fashion at MGM Northfield Park.

Several mares attempted to leave early but Think Of Galaxies (Anthony MacDonald) and A Delightful Act N (Billy Davis Jr.) tussled through the initial turn, with Think Of Galaxies clearing into the backstretch for the first time.

However, that lead was short-lived as Delightful Act N pulled out of the pocket, applying pressure with a three-wide Creme Delight (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) also challenging. Getting to the opening quarter in :27.2, Think Of Galaxies was shuffled to third, with Creme Delight taking over the top spot into the far turn, forcing A Delightful Act N back into the pocket.

Approaching the half in :56.4, Rockin Bambi (Elliott Deaton) pulled from fifth and began a first-over bid with Mystical Virgin (Kurt Sugg) on her back second over.

Into the clubhouse turn for the final time, it appeared Rockin Bambi was stalling, but she found another gear mid-way up the backstretch and began to pick off rivals. Getting to three-quarters in 1:25.2 Rockin Bambi got within three-quarters of a length of the lead and began applying pressure to Creme Delight into the far turn.

The pair would scrum throughout most of the final quarter, but Rockin Bambi was able to wear down Creme Delight in the final strides to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:54.1. A Delightful Act N tried to close but had to settle for third with Mystical Virgin finishing fourth.

ROCKIN BAMBI REPLAY

Owned by Broekhuis Stables LLC and Ernie Hochstetler, the 4-year-old, pushed her career earnings to $128,245. It was the eighth victory of the year.

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

by Michael Carter, for MGM Northfield Park