Wishingonadragon came outside in the turn then passed three front-steppers in deep stretch en route to a well strategized victory Wednesday in the $7,750 Virginia Harness Horsemen’s Association (VHHA) Pacing Series finale at Colonial Downs.
The three-year-old Dragon Again filly scored a first leg division win September 17 in 1:55.4, then finished third in last week’s second leg. Reinsman Corey Braden directed Wishingonadragon from the rail Wednesday against nine other finalists and immediately settled into mid-pack. Americanautomation went directly to the front and triggered early panels of :26.3, :55.3 and 1:24 before running out of gas.
The eventual winner, who is owned and trained by Stacy McLenaghan, grabbed cover outside behind Bold And Brave as the field straightened out for home. The duo met betting choice River Runs Deep in mid-stretch and at the finish, Wishingonadragon was one and a quarter lengths better in a lifetime best 1:52.3. River Runs Deep, who had a first leg division win, was second while Bold And Brave took third.
Highland Hellion and St Lads Kingpin each scored third leg division wins in the Horace Martin and Barbara Perry Memorial Pacing Series, which were contested at a one and one-quarter miles distance. The former wired the field in 2:23.3 while the latter got to the winner’s circle for the first time in five tries this fall after a 2:25.1 triumph.
(Colonial Downs)