Lexi B survived a demanding first quarter and a pair of late challenges to score in Thursday’s (April 11) Margaret Provost Memorial Trot at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Ciao Time took the other $16,892 opening-leg split in the series for three-year-old fillies that honours the memory of longtime Standardbred owner Margaret Provost.

Lexi B was parked from post six before crossing over at the quarter. She then faced threats in the lane from Whiskeyd My Way outside and Daylights Daughter in the Lightning Lane. With only minimal urging from Ronnie Wrenn Jr., the daughter of Southwind Frank-Sand Lavender Blu turned back the challengers and prevailed by 1-3/4 lengths in a career-best 1:58.1 over a sloppy surface. Daylights Daughter and Whiskeyd My Way completed the ticket. Ron Burke trains Lexi B for Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. 

Ciao Time quarter-poled to the top for Aaron Merriman and found the wire before the rallying Faith Step, downing her by a half length in 1:59.1. Skyline Seashell finished third. Dana Kahrig conditions the daughter of Possess The Will-Ciao Dough, who won her second consecutive race, for Kahrig Racing Stable and Christian Apel.

Dave Palone piloted three winners on the 12-race card.

Live harness racing at The Meadows continues Friday when the program features the $12,500 USD opening leg of the Terry Altmeyer Memorial Trot for three-year-old colts and geldings. On the wagering front, the 12-race card offers a $190.53 carryover in the Lucky7 (Race 3). First post is 12:45 p.m.

(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)