Northfield, OH — Sometimes patience and perseverance pays off. Coastal (Downbytheseaside) proved that in Saturday night’s (April 8) $19,000 Filly and Mare Open Pace at MGM Northfield Park as she bided her time en route to victory.

Coastal won by four lengths in 1:51.2. Casalinova photo.

Coastal (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) backed off the early pacesetters, instead choosing to sit in third while Blue Ivy (Aaron Merriman) and Dudes Sweet Bet (Chris Lems) wrestled for the early lead. Blue Ivy led them to the opening quarter in :27, with the field in straight alignment behind her.

Getting to the half in a well rated :56.2, Blue Ivy felt no pressure until the outer flow began to develop into the clubhouse turn for the final time. Smothastenesewisky (Jason Thompson) elected to come first over and was able to flush Coastal off the pylons entering the backstretch.

It was moving into the backstretch where Coastal bid for the lead, getting to three-quarters in 1:24.2. Once clearing the lead, the talented mare left her competitors in her dust, winning by four lengths in 1:51.2.

Owned by Burke Racing Stable, J&T Silva Stables, Jason Melillo, and Beasty, the Burke trainee has earned $229,820 with 10 career victories.

Live racing resumes on Monday evening at 6 p.m. There will be no racing on Easter Sunday (April 9). MGM Northfield Park currently races on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. For more information on live racing and promotions, visit www.northfieldpark.com.