Story by Kenny Livengood
A powerhouse group of pacing mares are set to square off in this year’s Courageous Lady at Northfield Park. Stakes credentials can be found up and down the entire field.
The nine-mare lineup includes a Breeders’ Crown and Jugette winner, two-time Ohio Sires Stakes champion, a New York Sires Stakes champion, a James Lynch Memorial winner and a New Jersey Classic winner, making for one of the deepest editions of the Courageous Lady in its history.
Leading the way is millionaire Loua Dipa who really needs no introduction. She is a Breeders Crown champion, Jugette winner and a Fan Hanover winner. It could take another special performance from this superstar as she draws post eight with Ronnie Wrenn Jr., listed at 4-1.
Loua Dipa will also renew her rivalry with Be Perfect BG, with the two accomplished mares set to meet once again. The pair have already finished heads apart twice this season including a spectacular stretch battle in the Fan Hanover. These two titans of the sport will throw down once again with Be Perfect BG having a slight post edge leaving from post six with Dexter Dunn and listed at 7-2.
The morning line favorite belongs to Sangria Summer at 3-1 with Matt Kakaley driving from post two. She also comes in with an impressive resume including wins in the James Lynch Memorial and Shady Daisy.
Also in the field is 2 times Ohio Sires Stakes champion Seaside Shuffle starting from the second tier with Chris Page at 10-1. Another Sires Stakes winner comes in from New York in the way of Savage Cindy from post 4 with Dan Noble and is listed at 9-2.
The race also features a special local connection in Perfect Thought, who is stabled at Northfield Park. She’ll have the home-track advantage with Anthony MacDonald aboard from post three at 12-1.
Rounding out the field are Prtynproud Hanover, with 3-time winner of this race Dave Palone, at 6-1; Vanna By The River, with Aaron Merriman, at 15-1; and Rodeo Dancer, with Brett Miller, at 20-1.
From the top of the morning line to the longest shot on the board, there are stakes credentials throughout the field. With multiple major stakes winners, champions from several state-bred programs, a local contender, and the latest chapter in the Loua Dipa–Be Perfect BG rivalry, the Courageous Lady has all the ingredients to be one for the ages.
Full field, drivers, and morning lines listed below in post-position order.
Courageous Lady Field
Post | Horse | Driver | Morning Line |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Prtynproud Hanover | Dave Palone | 6-1 |
2 | Sangria Summer | Matt Kakaley | 3-1 |
3 | Perfect Thought | Anthony MacDonald | 12-1 |
4 | Savage Cindy | Dan Noble | 9-2 |
5 | Vanna By The River | Aaron Merriman | 15-1 |
6 | Be Perfect BG | Dexter Dunn | 7-2 |
7 | Rodeo Dancer | Brett Miller | 20-1 |
8 | Loua Dipa | Ronnie Wrenn Jr. | 4-1 |
9 | Seaside Shuffle | Chris Page | 10-1 |
