Stuck three-wide through a sizzling :26.4 opening quarter, Barn Girl showed her grit when she held off all challengers to capture Tuesday’s $20,000 Filly & Mare Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows.

When Barn Girl finally reached the front near the three-eighths, she shrugged off the first-over move of Bessie. A more serious threat came from Princess Pablano, who went three-wide down the backside and drew even with Barn Girl into the final turn. But Barn Girl drew off for Aaron Merriman in late stretch and downed Princess Pablano by one and a quarter lengths in 1:53.4. Bessie persevered for the show spot.

Barn Girl, pictured victorious at The Meadows on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 (Chris Gooden Photo)

Bill Bercury trains Barn Girl, a five-year-old daughter of Cash Hall-Turquoise Sweetie who has won 18 times over the past two seasons and $455,108 for her career, for Renee Bercury.

(The Meadows)