She had to overcome 23-1 odds and finesse her way around a breaking horse, but Best Derby Native was up to the task, notching her second straight series win — and third consecutive victory overall — in Wednesday’s (March 10) Donna Dunn Memorial Pace at The Meadows.
Filly Speaks captured the other $10,000 second-leg split in the event for three- and four-year-old pacing fillies and mares. The $15,000-added series final is set for next Wednesday (March 17).
Best Derby Native was enjoying a pocket trip behind 3-5 favourite Keep Watching when that one jumped it off near the three-quarters. Aaron Merriman was able to check Best Derby Native, clear the breaker, and preserve his rail position. The four-year-old daughter of Allamerican Native and Best Suntan brushed through the lane and scored in a career best 1.54.2, a length better than Twin B Chit Chat. Sparklinlikeitis finished third.