River Downs: Motega ships in for Hoover

Motega attempts to go 2 for 2 when she faces 11 other Ohio-bred 2-year-olds in the $50,000 Hoover at River Downs. The Joe Martin-trained filly won at first asking June 24 at Mountaineer Park by 2 3/4 lengths in an open maiden special weight. That event was at 4 1/2 furlongs and the Hoover will be contested at 5 1/2 furlongs.

Motega will wear blinkers for the first time. Because a change of equipment is not normally allowed after a win, special permission was granted by the River Downs stewards.

“We don’t usually let them do that, but [Martin] thinks it will better the horse,” said steward Mike Manganello. “It is a stakes and they paid to get in the race, so we agreed.”

Jareth Loveberry will ship in to retain the mount.

Martin also sends out first-time starter Paige’s Prize for owner Paul Guthiel.

There are three other fillies in the Hoover, including two of the three-horse Tim Hamm entry. Hamm sends out the fillies Private Cause and Monetary Reward, and the colt Activate.