After being parked the mile from post eight a week ago, A Delightful Act N made the front in the Saturday, April 13 edition of the $25,342 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace at MGM Northfield Park.
A Delightful Act N and driver Hunter Myers looked like they would get the same trip again this week. After Lydeo (Chris Lems) took the lead midway into the first turn, Myers had a decision to make, and it was to go to the lead. They finally worked their way to the point, past a :27.2 opening quarter.
Heading to the half, The Gypsy Queen IR (Keith Kash Jr.) went to the outside, looking to challenge A Delightful Act N for the lead. Myers worked out a :30.1 breather, trying to create some separation entering the backstretch.
As The Gypsy Queen IR began to apply pressure, Myers asked A Delightful Act N for a little bit more and she responded at three-quarters in 1:25.3.
As The Gypsy Queen IR began to backpedal through the field, that forced favourite Think Of Galaxies (Billy Davis Jr.) three-high around the final turn as she bid for the lead. While that bid was short-lived, Lydeo bounded out of the pocket in the final 50 yards, but A Delightful Act N was kept to task, digging in to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:54.2. Tiny Bit Of Sky (James Day) edged out Think Of Galaxies for third.
"She is a very nice mare to have in the barn, she loves her job," said trainer Jodi Schillaci of the winning eight-year-old Bettors Delight mare.
The Schillaci trainee is owned by Schillaci Stables, Sam Bova Racing and John Manning. Now three-for-eight this year, A Delightful Act N has 22 victories lifetime and pushed her career earnings to $361,664.
Sent off as the 5-1 third choice, she returned $12 to win.
Live harness racing resumes at MGM Northfield Park on Sunday with a first post of 6 p.m.
(With files from Northfield Park; Photo of A Delightful Act N in a previous win)