Looped from the gate as the 1-5 favourite, Muse La Rouge maintained her forward momentum, gained the lead at the quarter and triumphed in Wednesday’s $16,892 opening leg of the Ruby Cook Memorial Pace for three-year-old fillies at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

The series honours the memory of Ruby Cook, longtime track switchboard operator whose welcoming voice was a memorable part of The Meadows’ experience.

Muse La Rouge wanted the point early but was passed by the swiftly moving Sonadora. Dave Palone kept Muse La Rouge to her task and she rolled to the top then held off the late bid of Sonadora, defeating her by 1-1/2 lengths in a career-best 1:54.3 over a sloppy surface. Pit Boss Hanover shot the Lightning Lane for show.

Michael Hitchcock trains Muse La Rouge, a daughter of Captaintreacherous-Modern Muse, for William Hartt. The filly earned her first win of the season from seven starts and her second victory lifetime.

Ronnie Wrenn Jr. collected four wins on the 12-race card.

Live harness racing at The Meadows continues on Thursday when the program features the $12,500 USD opening leg of the Margaret Provost Memorial Trot for three-year-old fillies. On the wagering front, the 12-race program will offer a pair of carryovers — $81.01 in the Lucky7 (Race 3) and $545.73 in the Pick 5 (Tace 8). First post is 12:45 p.m.

(With files from Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)