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.
Whiskey Blu stretched his career unbeaten streak to five with an in-hand victory in Thursday’s Dale McConnell Memorial Trot at The Meadows. Massive Stroke took the other $10,000 opening-leg division in the series for three- and four-year-old colts, horses and geldings.
The event honours the memory of Dale McConnell, who earned the nickname “Mr. Trot” for his success developing and campaigning trotters.
Unraced at two, Whiskey Blu launched his career Jan. 21 and has waltzed through conditions; the Southwind Frank-Kendall Blue gelding has rolled up a combined victory margin of 15-1/4 lengths over those five wins. In the McConnell, Dan Charlino his pilot for all five starts sent Whiskey Blu to the point at the quarter. He drew away from The Funk late and defeated him by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:56.3. Laramie rallied for show.
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Spring series for three- and four-year-olds, a popular fixture at The Meadows that fell victim to COVID-19 restrictions last year, have returned. Beginning in early March, the track will offer eight series four for three- and four-year-olds, four for three-year-olds that feature two preliminary legs and a championship, with total purses projected to exceed $312,000.
Pennsylvania owned or sired horses are eligible. Nomination fee for each series is $250, due Feb. 15 (three- and four-year-old events) or March 15 (three-year-old events). The line-up includes:
· Wilbur Zendt Memorial Pace: three- and four-year-old colt and gelding pacers, first leg March 5;
· Donna Dunn Memorial Pace: three- and four-year-old filly and mare pacers, first leg March 3;