by Keith Gisser, publicity director, Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — The $125,000 (est.) Courageous Lady for 3-year-old filly pacers goes to post at Northfield on Saturday evening, May 22, and several top contenders posted mixed results over the past week.

The 2009 Ohio champ Hawk’s Cry Electra won another qualifier at Scioto Downs, but in a relatively slow 2:02.3. She posted a 1:55.4 qualifying win the week before. Budgirls Hanover took a $20,000 Pennsylvania Stallion Stake in a lifetime best 1:54.4 at The Meadows with Dave Palone driving for owner Randy Ringer and trainer Ron Burke.

Several other contenders posted fast miles, but faced tough competition. Ken Bencic’s Leave Em Gasping finished fifth in a $66,589 Pennsylvania Sire Stake, race-timed in 1:54.4, while Bill Sanders’ Sand Gesture was fifth in another Sires split at The Meadows, race-timed in 1:53.4. Rough Sketch was beaten just 3-1/4 lengths at the Meadowlands in her last start, race-timed in 1:52.4.

The entry box for the Courageous Lady closes Wednesday, May 19, at 9 a.m.

Courageous Lady night features a $50,000 Mystery Tote Ticket Giveaway and this one has a new twist. For the first time, in addition to cash prizes, this mailing includes 10 tickets that can be redeemed for an 8GB IPOD Nano valued at $150. The top-of-the-line Apple MP3 player is also a video camera which features a 2.2 inch display.