Northfield, OH – Given a crafty drive by Ryan Deaton, Fred’s Dream Girl scored a handy victory in the Great Lakes Amateur Driving Association (GLADA) feature at Northfield Park on Sunday (July 26).
The 9-year-old daughter of Team Six took top honors in 1:57.1, leaving Manhattanup No Ice and driver Edward Miller a fast-closing second, three-parts-of-a-length away at the line.
Game On Girls, teamed up with Lauren Harmon, survived a somewhat rough beginning, settled down and rallied late to finish third, a scant nose the best of Esteso, who threatened around the final bend but finished fourth. Knickknack Hanover closed fastest of all in the field to pick up the nickel for Eric Miller.
As the wings folded, Bluebird Revival was away alertly from post 2 under the direction of Eli Swartzentruber, and along with Supreme Rockette, driven by Susan Miller, these two were one-two at a quick :28 opener, with Fred’s Dream Girl third after her quick start to find a cozy spot.
Just a few strides after that opener, Deaton sent his mare brushing from three-lengths off the pace to the top and gave her a heads-up breather to a :57.4 half, with Estero the first one out and moving forward from fourth.
The pace quickened a bit on the backside as Bluebird Revival remained in the garden spot with Esteso alongside in third.
Once straightened away, Fred’s Dream Girl had enough of a comfortable lead to handily hold off Manhattanup No Ice.
In a post-race interview, driven Deaton said, “She’s a very good mare, tries hard and gives all she’s got every start.
“I was between them when we started so I just settled in third and, after those two others finished their battle early, I kinda knew I wouldn’t face any challenges making the top and my mare did the rest.
“She’s very handy and Cory (trainer Kreiser) had her in a very good spot this week.”
Fred’s Dream Girl won for the sixth time this year in 22 starts this season, vaulting lifetime earnings over the milestone $250,000 mark — by $418 — $44,368 this semester.
Trainer Kreiser trains the mare for owner Ameer Najor and, just recently, went over the $10 million plateau in training purses.
Fred’s Dream Girl paid her faithful $4.20 to win.
GLADA, whose members donate all their earnings from driving to charitable causes, is well known for its philanthropic ways in the area of rehoming retired horses and training them for therapeutic usage with children and adults. Their charitable donations have benefited community and national interests for over three decades.