Two weeks off does not hinder Blue Ivy

Northfield, OH – Blue Ivy (Captaintreacherous) returned to the winner’s circle on Saturday (April 22) following a 14-day layoff, cruising to an easy 1:53.1 victory in the $19,000 feature harness racing event at MGM Northfield Park.

 Aaron Merriman wasted little time getting to the front with Blue Ivy after working her away around Ourlittlemiracle (Billy Davis Jr.) through the first turn.

Getting to the quarter in :26.4, Merriman tried to catch a breather with his talented mare, but the outer flow began to apply slight pressure with Mystical Virgin (Kurt Sugg), stablemate Lady Newton (Hunter Myers), and last week’s winner Dudes Sweet Bet (Chris Lems) beginning their bid.  

What Merriman wanted is what he got as he got to the half in a leisurely :56. Merriman stepped on the gas, opening up a two-length lead moving into the back stretch for the final time. Creating even more separation at three-quarters in 1:24.1  

Geared down through the stretch, Blue Ivy held on for a 2-1/2 length victory over Mystical Virgin and Dude’s Sweet Bet, who rallied from the back to finish third.  

BLUE IVY REPLAY 

 It was the 51st career victory for mare, who has now earned $762,390 for owner/trainer Renee Bercury.  

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