Northfield, OH — Blue Ivy returned to the winner’s circle on Saturday (April 22) following a 14-day layoff, cruising to an easy 1:53.1 victory in the $19,000 feature event at MGM Northfield Park.
Aaron Merriman wasted little time getting to the front with Blue Ivy after working her around Ourlittlemiracle (Billy Davis Jr.) through the first turn.
After getting to the quarter in :26.4, Merriman tried to catch a breather with his talented mare, but the outer flow began to apply slight pressure with Mystical Virgin (Kurt Sugg); Lady Newton (Hunter Myers); and last week’s winner, Dudes Sweet Bet (Chris Lems), all beginning their bids.
Merriman got what he wanted, measuring the half in a leisurely :56 before stepping on the gas, opening up a two-length lead moving into the backstretch for the final time, and creating even more separation at three-quarters in 1:24.1.
Geared down through the stretch, Blue Ivy held on for a 2-1/2-length victory over Mystical Virgin/ Dude’s Sweet Bet rallied from the back to finish third.
It was the 51st career victory for the daughter of Captaintreacherous, who has now earned $762,390 for owner/trainer Renee Bercury.
Live racing at MGM Northfield Park resumes on Sunday (April 23) at 6 p.m. Northfield currently hosts racing on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. For more information on live racing and promotions, visit www.northfieldpark.com.