Northfield, OH – When the connections of The Gypsy Queen IR claimed the daughter of Foreclosure N on Feb. 17, they knew the mare was talented, but they weren’t sure how talented. They found out on Saturday (March 2) at MGM Northfield Park as she dug in down the stretch to win the $18,000 Filly and Mare Distaff.

The Gypsy Queen IR dug in down the stretch to win the $18,000 Filly and Mare Distaff Saturday at MGM Northfield Park. Casalinova Photo.

The Gypsy Queen IR (Keith Kash Jr.) was quickly put into play early, defending the pylon position into the first turn and forcing heavy-favorite Fairiesdelight A (Aaron Merriman) into the pocket into the backstretch. Kash put up a solid :27.2 first quarter, then a leisurely :56.4 in the second quarter, with the field in straight alignment with one lap to go.

Up the backstretch, Creme Delight (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) was sent to the outside, with Think Of Galaxies (Billy Davis Jr.) right on her back, riding second over cover. At three-quarters in 1:25, The Gypsy Queen IR still had a 1-1/4 length edge over her closest pursuer.

Around the final turn, Creme Delight made her way into second, with only a length to make up, with Think Of Galaxies making a bid three deep. Fairiesdelight A was moved into the passing lane by Merriman to take a crack at the leader, but The Gypsy Queen IR was all heart, holding off her rival by a neck in 1:54.

Owned by Dannie Ray Hostetler and trained by Kash Jr., the 6-year-old earned her 23rd career victory, now with earnings of $143,271.

Live racing resumes on Sunday (March 3) with a first post of 6 p.m.

MGM Northfield Park currently races on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings. For more information on live racing and promotions, visit www.northfieldpark.com.