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.