(Editor’s Note – Photo to come)
Chester, PA – They were worried she might be ”too small,” but Louies Girl N certainly raced giant in the Grade 3 $100,000 Betsy Ross Mares Invitational Pace at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Super Sunday, (May 24) reducing her mark three seconds to 1:48.4, just two-fifths off the stakes mark set by Twin B Joe Fresh in 2024.
The daughter of Lord Forbes was away third as No Foolin April (driven by Tim Tetrick, who has won the Ross a record seven times) flew away as the wings folded, with Coastal Babe N going up to get the pocket behind the leader, who reached the first pole in :26.2.
Jason Bartlett, the driver of Louies Girl N, said that “Tetrick’s horse was a little hot early, but when she seemed more in control off the first turn, I made my move.”
Louies Girl N took command in front of the stands, hit the half in :54.4, then took firm charge by going :26.4 down the back, making for a 1:21.3 three-quarters.
Through the stretch, Louies Girl N gave Bartlett, trainer Per Engblom, and owners Peaceful Acre Farm no reason for concern, with a :27.1 final quarter completing a :54 back half and a race where she won as she pleased by two lengths over 25-1 shot No Foolin April, who lasted for the deuce in the wake of the winner.
Miki And Minnie, double divisional champion making her 4-year-old debut, did not have great cover but still rallied for show. Louies Girl N, like Miki And Minnie, was sent off at even money, with the victor commanding $71 more in the win pool.
The remarkable form streak of the Ross winner reads like this: she won her last start in New Zealand, then was unbeaten in six Stateside starts in 2025. This year Louies Girl N has had six wins in eight starts, giving her 13 wins in her last 15 races and success in exactly half her lifetime starts (19 for 38). The real test will come when Miki And Minnie, along with stablemate Twin B Joe Fresh, are in prime form, but don’t rule out the small mare with the giant gearbox.