Misster Wilker sailed through a 'sloppy' Meadows homestretch last night to score in 1:56.1, which was the fastest of four divisions of the Donna Dunn Memorial Series for freshman pacing fillies.
Spectacular Gal, Dovetail and Native Costume captured the other $12,000 splits in the series opening leg.
Hustled to the front from Post 8 by Dick Stillings, Misster Wilker settled into the pocket behind Ideal Observation, then brushed by late to score a one and three-quarter-length victory. Hello Great Mate finished third. Janet Irvine trains the homebred Towners Big Guy--Mary Demando filly for Elaine Konesky.
The series honours the late Donna Dunn, longtime standardbred owner and the wife of USTA District 7 director Walter 'Boots' Dunn.
In the $27,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot, BVs Sister enjoyed cover from the favourite, Hawaiianphotograph, before powering by late to score in 1:57 for Mike Wilder. Hawaiianphotograph was a half-length back in second, while Nickie K recovered from an early break to earn show.
Virgil Morgan, Jr. trains the five-year-old daughter of Big Victory--First Breath.
Stillings, Mike Wilder, Dave Palone and Eric Ledford each drove three winners on the 16-race card.
(With files from the Meadows)