by Patricia P. Miller, for GLADA

Hazel Park, MI — The small but mighty mare My Littlej shot away from the gate out of the five hole on Monday (August 20) and raced with valor under the driving skill of Richard Roach. Racing home in 1:58.4, the pair seized their third win in the GLADA summer amateur series hosted by Hazel Park, placing them in a fine position for the championship.

My Littlej is a 7-year-old mare by Lockkeeper out of Mary’s Track Star and she is trained by Jeff Pickvet. No one could catch her on Monday night, but Christina Kennedy driving her own Striking Lightning crossed the line in second and the magical Merlincrest, after a rough trip, grabbed the show dough for driver Michael Caston.

The hot to trot field of nine burst from the gate and the fun began. Reaching the quarter in :28.1, first time starter Larry Farley held down first place driving Coco Mustang. Mylittlej was in high gear already and raced in second, followed by another first time starter, Berndt Reynolds, in rein to Larry McCarty. Driver Robert Miller took in the sweet air out in fourth steering April Moonlight and eventual place finisher Striking Lightning held down fifth place.

A half-mile marker of :58.2 found the top horses racing on in position as the rest of the field maneuvered for space and advantage before the final turn and stretch drive. Roach pulled Mylittlej out to first over at the three-quarters in 1:28.4 and they never looked back as a brilliant stretch drive topped off the race, with Roach and Mylittlej much the best by seven lengths.

‘What a wonderful mare she is,” said Roach with a huge smile and those sparkling eyes. “I got a perfect trip and she was in high gear for the win. She is all heart.”

Another GLADA race goes in the books and just three races remain to seal the championship. The season has been a success, thanks to Race Secretary Ladd Biro and Hazel Park. The GLADA members have raced with both increasing skills and speed and put on a real show for the fans every Monday night at Hazel Park.