Needmore Flattery can all but guarantee joining a select group of state-bred runners if she prevails

Needmore Flattery can all but guarantee joining a select group of state-bred runners if she prevails in today’s $50,000 First Lady at Mahoning Valley Race Course.

The sophomore lassie, voted Ohio Horse of the Year in 2013, has won five stakes races this year. Another score — she’s 8-5 on the morning line to do so — will clinch a defense of her crown. Only five times in the history of the “Best of the Buckeyes” has a horse won consecutive horse of the year honors.

“She deserves it,” said Tim Hamm of Warren, her trainer and co-owner with Bruce Ryan. “Her body of work is pretty deep.”

Needmore Flattery has won 10 of 17 career starts and $353,900. Ham could beat himself in the First Lady. He has two other entrants, Natural Bling and Spring Bling.

MORE STAKE IS GOOD

Also on the Saturday card is the $50,000 Hollywood Gaming Mahoning Sprint. Its field of 10 is headed by Ghost is Clear, winner of the June 15 Dark Star Cup at Canterbury Park.

SO THEY SAY

“I’m pleased with the betting numbers. We’re off to a strong start” -- Mark Loewe, MVRC’s vice president of racing after nearly $1.5 million has been wagered on the first three programs.

FEEDBAG

Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome will be in action today. He’s the 4-5 betting favorite over five foes in the $300,000 Hollywood Derby. The 11/8-mile race at Del Mar will mark his turf debut . Capiche, a runaway winner Wednesday at MVRC, is a son of 1997 Ohio filly champion, Crack The Code.

READIN’, WRITIN’ & RACING

Investigator Mark Peters and inspector Kim Poma represent the Ohio State Racing Commission in the MVRC licensing office. Both have strong education backgrounds. Poma is a current member of the Boardman Board of Education and has been for 13 years. Peters is the former principal of Glen Este High School in Cincinnati.

THE BANKROLL

Open in the first by taking Hunt for Colleen first and second with $1 exacta tickets to all rivals. In the second, bet $5 to win and place on Shabdeez. Close in the seventh with $10 to win on J.J. Garbar. Bankroll Update: I got fat on Thanksgiving, but the kitty didn’t. We bet and lost $10 (after scratches) Wednesday.

Bob ‘Railbird’ Roberts is a horse racing writer/former racing publicity man, who has covered racing for nearly 50 years.