River Downs: Unbeaten filly Motega odds-on favorite for Tah Dah

Motega will face Ohio-bred 2-year-old fillies for the first time in the $50,000 Tah Dah at River Downs on Saturday afternoon.

A daughter of Yonaguska, Motega won at first asking by 2 3/4 lengths for trainer Joe Martin at Mountaineer Racetrack on June 24 in an open maiden race. Martin received permission to add blinkers for his filly in her next out in the $50,000 Hoover against statebreds locally on July 10. Motega responded to the hood with a front-running 17-length victory in the Hoover, facing nine rivals, mostly males.

She was installed as the track’s 3-5 morning line favorite in the Tah Dah. Regular rider Jareth Loveberry retains the mount.

Mamooguska finished second to Motega at Mountaineer in her last out and will look to turn the tables. In her maiden debut May 24,

Mamooguska finished fourth. Trained by Jake Radosevich, Mamooguska will also be facing statebred fillies for the first time. Leading rider Perry Ouzts will ride for the first time.

Operation Bling has run twice with no success at Presque Isle Downs for trainer Tim Hamm and also will be facing statebred fillies for the first time. Nelson DeSouza will ride.

Kira’s Wink, Heather’s Wildcat, Hope Glitters, Magnetism, and Swiss Miss Too are also entered.