Alexa Skye, the 4-5 favourite, had to work hard for the lead, but once there, she faced no serious challenges as she captured Wednesday’s $29,041 Filly & Mare Open Handicap Pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Alexa Sky was outside in a contested :26.4 opening panel before finding a seat, but she couldn’t rest long, as Dave Palone sent her to the point at the quarter. The seven-year-old daughter of Somebeachsomewhere-Pirouette Hanover had enough in the tank to brush aside the first-up bid of Fighting Evil and hold off the full sisters, Kele Kele and Think Of Galaxies, late to triumph in 1:50.1. Kele Kele edged her sib for place, 2-3/4 lengths behind the winner.

Virgil Morgan trains Alexa Skye, who boosted her career bankroll to $625,627, for Let It Ride Stables Inc. and Odds On Racing.

Mike Wilder piloted four winners on the 13-race card.

Live harness racing at The Meadows continues on Thursday, July 11 when the program features a $5,000 guarantee in the Early Pick 4 (race one) courtesy The Meadows, the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA) and the United States Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Initiative. The card also offers a pair of carryovers: $563.66 in the Early Pentafecta (race four), $340.09 in the Pick 5 (race nine). First post is 12:45 p.m.

(The Meadows)