Trust N Seven tackling older stakes company

Trust N Seven will face older fillies and mares in a stakes for the first time in the $70,000 Merrillville at Hoosier Park. A 3-year-old filly, Trust N Seven has won two Indiana-bred stakes this year, but both were against her own age group.

Trained by Mike Lauer, Trust N Seven began her 2009 campaign by winning a third-level allowance against older fillies and mares May 12. She then defeated 3-year-olds in the $73,000 Ellen's Lucky Star June 12. Both of those races were at the same six-furlong distance as the Merrillville, a distance that Trust N Seven is a perfect 3 for 3 lifetime.

Lauer ran Trust N Seven on the turf in her next out July 13, and she responded with a 7 1/2-length victory going a mile in the $74,000 First Lady. All three races were at Indiana Downs. In her most recent start, July 30, Trust N Seven ran an even fourth when sent off as the favorite against older horses at Presque Isle Downs in an open allowance. Leandro Goncalves will ride.

Twelve will start in the Merrillville, including an entry.

Two of the first three finishers in the 2008 running of the Merrillville were entered. Princess Composer won this event last year by a neck, coming from far back on a sloppy track. The 7-year-old hasn't won since, but a return to Hoosier Park and six furlongs may be to her liking.

Linda's Lace was a late-charging third in last year's Merrillville and has been in the money in 6 of her last 7 starts.