Hammered down to 2-5, Blue Ivy justified bettors’ faith by leading at every call and capturing Thursday’s $16,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Aaron Merriman sent Blue Ivy to the point from post four; when chief rival Continualou broke stride trying to wrest the lead away, that made the task that much easier for Blue Ivy. The six-year-old daughter of Captaintreacherous-Ali Blue rolled home in 1:52.1, extending her lifetime bankroll to $588,205. Lady Newton was second by a half-length, providing trainer Bill Bercury and owner Renee Bercury an exacta sweep. Game Of Shadows completed the ticket.

Mike Wilder collected three wins on the 11-race card, including a pair for trainer Dan Altmeyer.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Friday when the 11-race program features a $1,679.89 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5. Also, The Meadow will introduce its spring/summer Friday post time of 5:10 p.m.

(MSOA)