Ronnie Wrenn Jr. had to use Lunar twice, but he was up to the challenge as he stretched his career unbeaten streak to four in Friday’s (April 9) Tom Kirwan Memorial Pace at The Meadows. Manholmes took the other $12,500 second-leg division in the event for three-year-old colts and geldings.
Lunar got away fourth from post seven but didn’t sit there long, moving first over after the leader, Louie. The Sweet Lou-Crescent City gelding wore down the well-meant Louie and defeated him by 1-1/2 lengths in a career-fastest 1:52.1. Twin B Edge finished third. Ron Burke trains Lunar for Burke Racing Stable, Phillip Collura, Knox Services and J&TSilva-Purnel&Libby.
In the other division, Manholmes powered up from third past the three-quarters and drew off late to triumph for Dan Rawlings, trainer Dane Snyder and owners Linwood Higgins, Ultimate Racing Group and Jim Winske. Aime Hanover was second, 3-3/4 lengths back, while Phoenix of Fluzzy completed the ticket. The Betting Line-JK Isntshelovely gelding scored in 1:53.1, a lifetime mark.
The series championship is set for Friday, April 23.
The Meadows will be dark the week of April 12 to maintain the track and prepare the facility for the Saturday, May 1 kickoff of the 2021 stakes season. That day’s festivities include the Kentucky Derby simulcast and the first Pennsylvania Sire Stakes action of the year.
Live racing at The Meadows resumes Wednesday, April 21.
(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)