Muse La Rouge won a three-ply battle for the early lead, then hung tough late to capture her second straight in Wednesday’s $17,123 second leg of the Ruby Cook Memorial Pace for three-year-old fillies at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Always Sassy and Sonadora refused to concede the front to 1-5 favourite Muse La Rouge, who eschewed a seat and persevered to the point for Dave Palone. The daughter of Captaintreacherous-Modern Muse held off a quartet of late challengers to triumph in a career-best 1:53.3, three-quarters of a length better than the rallying Birdie Said. Sonadora finished third.

Michael Hitchcock trains Muse La Rouge, who is now two-for-eight this season, for William Hartt.

Palone and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. each collected three wins on the 13-race card.

Thursday’s program at The Meadows features the second leg of the Margaret Provost Memorial Trot for three-year-old fillies. On the wagering front, the card offers a $476.75 carryover in the Lucky7. First post is 12:45 p.m.

(With files from Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)