Delaware County Fair: I Luv The Nitelife easily wins the Jugette
I Luv The Nitelife liked it so much she did it twice. The Chris Ryder-trained filly took home the Jugette title on Wednesday at the Delaware County Fairgrounds with victories in both heats.
In the first heat, I Luv The Nitelife was able to pace around Jerseylicious well before the first quarter in 26 2/5. Those two kept position past the half in 54 3/5 before Social Scene began to apply some pressure.
Heading past the three quarter point in 1:22 1/5, it was a two-horse race. Jerseylicious took aim to the rim but could not make up ground on I Luv The Nitelife, who scored in 1:51.
With posts dependent on finish position in the first heat, I Luv The Nitelife drew the coveted inside position and took full advantage in the second and final heat. Driver Tim Tetrick grabbed the front easily with a 28-second opening quarter.
The seven-horse field (first heat starters Belle Boyd and Novascotia Hanover scratched out of heat two) continued to be led past the half in a reasonable 56 1/5 as Social Scene started a first-over bid. But there was no getting near I Luv The Nitelife, who picked up the pace with a sizzling 26 4/5 third quarter and left only the pocket-sitting Jerseylicious in striking range.
Through the stretch I Luv The Nitelife widened her lead and eventually crossed the wire 3 1/2 lengths the best in 1:51 2/5, setting a world record combined time (3:42 2/5) for two heats.
Carols Desire charged home late for second over Jerseylicious.
“I was never concerned about racing two heats,” said Ryder. “She is not eligible to Lexington (Bluegrass) and Richard (Young, owner) wanted to try to win this and head right to the Breeders Crown (October 12 elims at Pocono Downs).”
With a record that now stands at 12-for-13 in 2013, I Luv The Nitelife continues to make a run at Horse of the Year honors and owner Richard Young remains optimistic.
“Absolutely,” said Young on whether I Luv The Nitelife could get the honor. “She has only lost one race this year and we got beat only half-a-length.”
I Luv The Nitelife paid $2.10 to win.