Northfield, OH – Manhattanup No Ice, getting perfect and patient handling from Amy MacDonald, eked out a nose victory in the Great Lakes Amateur Driving Association (GLADA) feature on Wednesday (Oct. 14) at Northfield Park.
The 9-year-old gelded son of Andover Hall took advantage of a luxurious second over trip turning for home and pushed his nose in front right on the wire, edging out the 3-5 favorite, Nacho Rodeo, driven by Harvey Hershberger.
The pacesetter, Peter Lets Go, with Michael Miller in the bike, was third while B Medithree and Joseph Kramp teamed up for fourth. Country Girl Charm earned the nickel for Susan Miller.
On this coolish night with the track off “by a second or so,” Manhattanup No Ice was away fourth from the inside post as Peter Lets Go was away with alacrity and out-gunned B Medithree to take the field through early fractions of :28.1, :58.2 and 1:27.4.
Big Bad Caviar was stuck outside just about every step in the middle of the pack while was Nacho Rodeo second over and preparing for a double-bubble binge approaching the third station and surging forward.
Turning for home, Nacho Rodeo gained the lead, overtaking Peter Lets Go as Manhattanup No Ice, finding a bit of room to roam on the outside, went around Nacho Rodeo and just did get the nod.
In a post race interview, driver Amy MacDonald said, “Well, I had to make a decision as to whether I should take the passing lane or not…but it looked to me like the horse in front of me was going that route, so I decided to go the other way and, maybe, have clear sailing.
“It worked out well and I was very happy to get the win.”
Her husband, Anthony MacDonald took exception with his wife’s humble ways stating, “I am really, really proud of her.
“This was her very first lifetime win (in five lifetime starts)—she doesn’t drive all that much—and she got the drive when trainer Edward Miller had a racing engagement at Dayton and she wound up with the drive.
“She did a fantastic job out there and I am proud of this moment, which, by the way, is an unforgettable one.”
The win was the fourth of the season for Manhattanup No Ice and sent his yearly bankroll to $35,504 and $334,481 lifetime.
As second choice in the betting, Manhattanup No Ice paid $8.20 to win.
GLADA is one of several amateur clubs in the United States where their members donate 100% of their earnings driving in their event to charity, benefitting local and national organizations.