Northfield, OH – The stacked undercard for Saturday’s (June 7) $200,000 Grade 2 Battle of Lake Erie is highlighted by the $75,000 MGM Buckeye Distaff at MGM Northfield Park.
The invitational for Ohio-sired mares, 4-year-olds and up, showcases some of the top talent the Buckeye State has to offer.
The nation’s leading trainer, Ron Burke, will pack a one-two punch in the undercard feature with Fearless Ginger and Naked On A Hill both taking a swing at the top prize.
Fearless Ginger earned $53,860 in her freshman campaign, all without a victory. She hit the board in six of eight starts as a 2-year-old, with one of the exceptions being the $300,000 Ohio Sires Stakes championship.
Returning to the races at 3, Fearless Ginger broke her maiden in a $15,000 leg of the Almahurst at Eldorado Scioto Downs.
Things started to go her way at the end of her 3-year-old season; after making a break in the $100,000 Courageous Lady at Northfield Park, she shipped to Dayton, finishing second, beaten a nose, in the $75,000 Buckeye Stallion Series championship.
The daughter of Fear The Dragon just kept getting better through the winter stepping up to face Open company at Dayton.
Since taking time off in February and March, she has posted three Open victories.
“It’s taken her some time to get rolling; we’re really happy with how she is progressing,” said Burke.
Burke will also send out Naked On A Hill in the MGM Buckeye Distaff.
An earner of just shy of $375,000, the 4-year-old by Nob Hill High was a Buckeye Stallion Series champion at 2, and while she had some success against sires stakes company at 3, she finished seventh in the $300,000 Ohio Sires Stakes championship.
On Saturday, she gets post relief after two straight outside draws at Scioto Downs.
“She should be better this week with an improved post draw,” said Burke. “She has been a little off her game as of late, a change in scenery should do her some good.”
Also competing in Saturday’s $75,000 MGM Buckeye Distaff is 2024 Ohio Sires Stakes champion My Red Sea, Beautiful Seaside, 2023 Ohio Sires Stakes champion Tarapasta, No Foolin April, defending MGM Buckeye Distaff winner Racing For Three, Hey Hey Mama, and Do It Like Bobbi.
The Battle of Lake Erie program will have several great wagering opportunities including a $25,000 estimated Pick-4 pool beginning in Race 11 and a $20,000 estimated Super High-5 in Race 13, the MGM Buckeye Distaff.
Lady Luck’s Clubhouse will also be open on Saturday and will offer a buffet for $27.95. Reservations can be made by calling 330-467-4101.
Post time on Saturday is 6 p.m. (EDT).