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Northern Lei Ann Wins in Sires Stakes Action

Northern Lei Ann and driver Mark O’ Mara fired down the stretch to win the first elimination of the $10,000 Indiana Sires Stakes for older pacing mares Friday, June 20. The duo crossed the line in 1:53.3.

Miss Royalattitude and Walter Haynes Jr. had the lead out of the gate through the quick opening quarter in :26.4. The heavy favorite, Summer in Fiji, broke stride, opening up the front spot to the 10-horse field.

On With Life, with Brandon Bates, was first up followed by Kentucky Brew, driven by Ross Leonard and Northern Lei Ann in the outside flow. On With Life led at the three-quarter-mile mark, but was continually challenged by Miss Royalattitude close behind.

Northern Lei Ann found room and made a dash at the lead. It was an all-out battle racing to the line. Northern Lei Ann crossed first for the win. Bluebird Dream and Jason Dillander kept up for second. Kentucky Brew maintained ground for third.

“I got a really good trip out of her (Northern Lei Ann),” O’Mara said. “It worked out well that we were away from the early speed at the start. The favorites fighting up front toward the end helped out a lot. That’s what needed to happen to give us a chance.”

This is the second win of the season for the four-year-old mare, Northern Lei Ann. She is owned by Northern Lane Farm of Grabill, Ind. Alvin Miller trains.