Northfield, OH – Twenty eight days removed from her last victory against Open company, New Zealand-bred Waitforever N (American Ideal) stole the show in Saturday night’s (March 4) $18,500 Filly and Mare Open at MGM Northfield Park.

New Zealand-bred Waitforever N was the winner in Saturday night’s $18,500 Filly and Mare Open at MGM Northfield Park. Casalinova Photo.

Driver Aaron Merriman wasted no time putting his mare Waitforever N on the lead through the first turn. Kat (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) applied some pressure through the turn but decided to tuck into the two hole heading to the opening quarter in a snappy :27.

Coming to the half in :55.4, Smothastenesewisky (Tyler Smith) was guided outside from fifth to take her shot at the leaders. Heading up the backstretch to three-quarters in 1:23.4, Smothastenesewisky got within three-quarters of a length of the leader Watiforever N.

Turning for home, Merriman didn’t have to ask much from his talented mare, using only minimal urging to get Waitforever N home, winning by a half-length in 1:52. Kat tried to close up the passing lane but had to settle for second, Dudes Sweet Bet (Chris Lems) closed to be third, while Smothastensewisky tired, finishing fourth.

Owned by D Racing Stable Inc, Donald Mac Rae, and Kapildeo Singh, it was the 15th career victory for the 6-year-old mare who has amassed $138,231 in career earnings.

Live racing resumes on Sunday evening (March 5) at 6 p.m. MGM Northfield Park currently races on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. For more information on live racing and promotions, visit www.northfieldpark.com.