Northfield, OH – The homebred daughter of Dude’s The Man, Dudes Sweet Bet fought off all challengers on her way to another victory in Saturday night’s (April 29) $19,000 featured Filly & Mare Open Pace.
While Cyclone Seelster (Billy Davis Jr.) got the jump on the field and made the lead heading into the first turn, Dudes Sweet Bet (Chris Lems) wasted no time challenging the leader clearing before a quarter in :26.4.
By the stands for the first time, the outer flow began to develop with Mystical Virgin (Kurt Sugg), Tiny Bit Of Sky (James Day) and Coastal (Ryan Stahl) lining up to take a shot at Dudes Sweet Bet, getting to the half in :55.2.
Getting to three-quarters in 1:23.3, Tiny Bit Of Sky tipped off cover three-wide around Mystical Virgin, giving Dudes Sweet Bet her first real challenge of the race as the pace quickened. Into the final turn, Lems continued to drive Dudes Sweet Bet confidently, as the mare looked strong on the lead fending off all pursuers.
Through the stretch, Davis pulled Cyclone Seelster into the passing lane but couldn’t work past Dude’s Sweet Bet, who dug in again to win by a head in 1:52.2. Diamondtequilashot (Luke Ebersole) closed in between horses to finish third, while favorite Blue Ivy (Aaron Merriman) rallied to be fourth.
Owned and bred by driver Chris Lems and trained by Jordan Hope, the 4-year-old has $265,982 in career earnings, with 13 victories in 38 starts. Dudes Sweet Bet was also bred by the Triple C Stables LLC.
Live racing resumes on Sunday evening (April 30) at 6 p.m. MGM Northfield Park currently races on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. For more information on live racing and promotions, visit www.northfieldpark.com.