The lone three-year-old in the field, Lass A Rope schooled her elders Friday at The Meadows when she grabbed the lead first-over and dug in late to capture the $20,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot.
Lass A Rope moved first-over for Aaron Merriman and put away the leader, Expose Yourself, before the three-quarters. But her work wasn’t done, as she needed to deal with Glidinthruparadise, who peeled off her bumper and challenged in the stretch. The daughter of Encore Encore-American Lassie did just that, downing Glidinthruparadise by a neck in 1:57 over a “good” surface, with Ready Any Time third.
Rich Gillock trains Lass A Rope, who lifted her lifetime earnings to $163,614, for owner/breeder Bob Key.
Dave Palone piloted four winners, including a pair for trainer Kevin Johnson, on the 11-race card.
Live racing at The Meadows continues Saturday, when the program features a $1,826.61 Pick 5 carryover (races eight through 12) and a $1,981.49 carryover in the final race Super Hi-5. First post 1:05 p.m.
(The Meadows)