Hammered down to 1-9, Blue Ivy looked very much the heavy favourite, scorching the back half in :55.1 to capture Thursday’s $17,600 Filly & Mare Open Pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Once Blue Ivy controlled the front half in a comfortable :56.2, there was very little movement in the field of five. In the stretch, Aaron Merriman lightly reminded Blue Ivy that she still had work to do and the six-year-old daughter of Captaintreacherous-All Blue responded by scoring in 1:51.3, half a length better than the pocket-sitting Ourlittlemiracle. Lady Newton, the winner’s stablemate, was third.

Bill Bercury trains Blue Ivy, who now boasts a career bankroll of $630,985, for Renee Bercury.

Trainer Ron Burke fashioned a triple on the 11-race card.

Live harness racing at The Meadows continues Friday when the program features a pair of stakes for freshman colt and gelding pacers: a $160,618 Pennsylvania Sires Stakes and a $60,000 PA Stallion Series event. On the wagering front, the card offers a $1,806.71 carryover in the Jackpot Pick 5 (Race 4). First post is 5:10 p.m.

(MSOA)