Waitforever N finds her way back to winner’s circle

Northfield, OH — Since returning from Scioto Downs two starts ago, Waitforever N (American Ideal) has been chomping at the bit to return to the harness racing winners’ circle, she was able to do it on Saturday (July 8) with a gate-to-wire victory in the $20,000 Filly and Mare Open.

Leaving alertly from post four and only a single challenger inside of her, Waitforever N (Aaron Merriman) wasted no time leaving down the center of the racetrack. She would duel with Lydeo (Chris Lems) into the first turn but made the lead after a stiff quarter in :26.3.

Merriman got a big breather in the second quarter, with a soft half of :56.1, but a host of pursuers came, including Tiny Bit Of Sky (James Day), who led the assault in the outer flow. Into the backstretch, Tiny Bit Of Sky got within three-quarters of a length of the leader, but Merriman repelled that challenge.

Turning into the stretch, Merriman asked Waitforever N for a little more, and she responded, winning by three-quarters of a length in 1:52.2. Lydeo tried to close but managed only to be second with Rock Me Cristal (Ryan Stahl) rallying to be third.

WAITFOREVER N REPLAY

It was the 8th victory of the year for the mare, who now has $190,881 in the bank for owners D Racing Stable, Donald Mac Rae, Kapildeo Singh, and trainer Braiden Rhoades.

For complete race results, click here.

by Michael Carter, for MGM Northfield Park