Kelseys Keepsake pulled the pocket into the final turn, blew by the leader and drew off late to capture Tuesday’s $18,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows.
Kelseys Keepsake was stalking Barn Girl, who was seeking her fourth straight victory, when Joe Bongiorno tipped her off the cones and asked her for trot. The four-year-old daughter of Yankee Glide-Distaff was much stronger in the lane and defeated Barn Girl by two lengths. Wendys Girl, who had raced first over, finished third.
Richard Johnson trains Kelseys Keepsake, who upped her career bankroll to $247,252 for David Heffering and Barbara Bongiorno Stable.
Aaron Merriman and Mike Wilder each enjoyed a driving double on the 12-race card, while Dave Palone and trainer Ron Burke teamed for a pair of victories.
On Wednesday, Dec. 21, The Meadows Racetrack & Casino will offer a $7,500 total-pool guarantee for its Pick 5 wager as part of the United States Trotting Association's Strategic Wagering Initiative. The Meadows added the “instant” guarantee after Tuesday’s Pick 5 was uncovered, resulting in a carryover of $2,137.34.
In addition, Wednesday’s card includes a $5,000 total-pool guarantee for the Pick 4, a regular feature of each program at The Meadows.
Minimum wager for the Pick 4 (races 4-7) and Pick 5 (races 8-12) is 50 cents. Since Pennsylvania law requires a minimum per-race wager of $2, a player wagering at the 50-cent level must bet at least four tickets.
(with files from The Meadows)