Millionaire Marloe Hanover bore out in mid-stretch but had a lead sufficient to withstand her circuitous journey home as she captured Wednesday’s $26,301 Filly & Mare Open Handicap Pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.
Marloe Hanover led at every call turning for home, but as she drifted out, it took a course correction by Dave Palone to preserve her lead. The seven-year-old daughter of Captaintreacherous-Mesmerize Bluechip prevailed in 1:52.1, 1-1/4 lengths better than the pocket-sitting Lydeo, with the first-over Racin Hungry a good third.
Virgil Morgan Jr. trains Marloe Hanover, who now boasts 42 lifetime victories and went over $1.2 million in earnings, for Let It Ride Stables Inc. and Odds On Racing.
Trainer Jesse Barnard notched his first career victory with his three-year-old pacing filly Dig Deep delivering as the race favourite in 1:57 flat in Race 12 with Ridge Warren in the sulky.
Palone, Warren and Hunter Myers each fashioned a double while 13 different trainers enjoyed one victory apiece on the 13-race card.
Live harness racing at The Meadows continues on Thursday, with first post at 12:45 p.m.
(With files from Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)