by Keith Gisser, assistant publicity director, Northfield Park
Northfield, OH – Royal Mattjesty won Saturday’s $125,000 Battle of Lake Erie at Northfield Park, shaking lose in the stretch and edging local favorite Cambest Prince in a photo finish. The time of 1:51 equaled the Battle record, held jointly by BJ’s Whirlwind, Dragon Again and Gallo Blue Chip, and was witnessed by 9,245 racing fans. Stephane Bouchard drove the winner for trainer Nat Varty. Royal Mattjesty is now a millionaire with the $62,500 winner’s share of the purse. Bouchard also won the 1998 Battle with Western Dreamer.
Favored Allamerican Captor took the early lead and yielded to the eventual winner. Allamerican Captor moved back to the outside as they reached the quarter in 26.1 and took control. The half was timed in 54.3 as Constant Change came to the outside to challenge. As the field headed up the backside, Cam’s Fast Gun and Cambest Prince moved three-wide, with Cambest Prince moving toward the lead at the 1:22.2 three-quarter. He easily put away Allamerican Captor in the final turn, but Bouchard found room with Royal Mattjesty, moving three wide in the final turn and getting up in the final strides to win.
Royal Mattjesty, a five-year-old son of Matt’s Scooter is owned by Perretti Racing and John Rizzo of New Jersey. The winner paid $6.00, as he was victorious for the third time in fourteen seasonal starts.
- Field announced for the Battle of Lake Erie (Monday, June 7, 2004)
The field has been announced for the Battle of Lake Erie, which will be renewed at Northfield Park.
- A quick and rich field set to “do Battle” (Tuesday, June 8, 2004)
The $125,000 Battle of Lake Erie has drawn a galaxy of Free For All stars.
- Ohioans to “skirmish” on the Battle of Lake Erie card (Wednesday, June 9, 2004)
Several Ohio Sire Stakes will dot the card on Battle of Lake Erie night at Northfield Park.
- Royal Mattjesty is 5-2 favorite in Battle of Lake Erie (Wednesday, June 9, 2004)
Royal Mattjesty drew post four and was installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite in Northfield Park’s $125,000 Battle of Lake Erie.
- Could it happen again in the Battle? (Thursday, June 10, 2004)
Two of the entrants in Saturday’s Battle of Lake Erie finished one-two two years ago — and could once again.