Needmore Flattery stretches out in Tomboy Stakes

CINCINNATI – Needmore Flattery will try to continue her dominance of statebred fillies Sunday when heading a compact field of six Ohio-registered 3-year-old fillies in the $50,000 Tomboy at Belterra Park.

Needmore Flattery won her first five races last year, all against statebred company. Trainer Tim Hamm wintered her at Gulfstream Park, where she finished fourth and last in a pair of $100,000 stakes.

This year, Needmore Flattery won the $50,000 Royal North against statebred fillies April 5 at Beulah Park. In her most recent start April 19, she finished an even third as the 7-10 favorite in the $50,000 Howard B. Noonan at Beulah. Both of those races were at six furlongs, while the Tomboy is contested at 1 1/16 miles.

Needmore Flattery was the Ohio-bred champion 2-year-old filly as well as the Ohio Horse of the Year last season. Irwin Rosendo, who was aboard for the filly’s first seven starts, will ride once again.

Hamm also sends out Natural Bling, but they will not be coupled in the betting. Racing secretary Ed Vomacka asked for and received permission from the Ohio State Racing Commission to uncouple common-ownership entries due to the small number of horses nominated to the race. Orlando Mojica will ride.

Kelly’s Pride is the only horse in the field with a win over the new Belterra Park oval, having won a statebred entry-level allowance race May 9 for trainer Sergio Baez going six furlongs. Kelly’s Pride won at first asking in the $50,000 Glacial Princess last November at Beulah Park. Perry Ouzts retains the mount.

Rounding out the field are Catawba Gray, Quiet Elite, and Long Blonde Angel.

First post Sunday is 1:30 p.m. Eastern. The Tomboy goes as race 7 (post time 4:24) on an eight-race card.