Victory for Always Gonna B You in the Northfield Distaff Open

Always Gonna B You secured her third consecutive victory on Saturday, February 17th in the challenging $24,324 Filly & Mare Open Pace.

The race kicked off with a burst of energy as Always Gonna B You, under the expert guidance of Aaron Merriman, quickly took the lead, outpacing Think Of Galaxies ridden by Billy Davis Jr. As the contenders lined up, Always Gonna B You maintained a steady pace, reaching the quarter marker in a comfortable :28.

Merriman skillfully managed the race, maintaining a moderate :30 pace in the second phase, unchallenged until Creme Delight, ridden by Ronnie Wrenn Jr., made a bold move to overtake from the outside at the halfway point.

Despite Creme Delight's efforts to close in on the leader down the backstretch, the mare faltered, allowing Always Gonna B You to maintain a firm grip on the race, crossing three-quarters in 1:25.4. It became apparent that victory was within reach for Always Gonna B You, with the question not being if she would win, but by what margin.

As the race neared the finish line, Think Of Galaxies made a late surge from the passing lane, gaining ground after a well-executed journey. However, Always Gonna B You's unwavering determination saw her clinch the win by a nose in a time of 1:55.3.

Proudly owned by Renee Bercury and under the expert tutelage of trainer William Bercury, this five-year-old mare, sired by Always A Virgin, marked her 13th career victory, boosting her earnings to an impressive $456,656.