Mandys Mattjesty opened a daylight lead, then held on late to notch her second straight victory in Monday’s second leg of the Winter Claiming Series for $20,000 claiming filly and mare pacers at The Meadows.
Mandys Mattjesty zipped to the front for Dave Palone and enjoyed a three-length lead at the top of the lane. But the six-year-old daughter of His Mattjesty-Astra Destiny was all out to hold off the late charge of Highland Rockstar, another Burke trainee, who fell a nose short. Destinys Desire earned show. The winning time was 1:53.4
Burke Racing Stable LLC, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, Larry Karr and Phillip Collura campaign Mandys Mattjesty, who has been ahead at every pole in three consecutive starts.
Doubelieveinmagic won the other $15,000 split, giving trainer Ron Burke a second-leg sweep. The $25,000 (est) series final is set for Monday, Feb. 22.
The program also featured the second leg of the Winter Claiming Series for $10,000 claiming filly and mare pacers, with PCs Vixen and Everymileamemory each taking an $8,000 division. The $15,000 (est) series final will go next Monday.
Elsewhere on Monday’s card, Medusa shot the Lightning Lane to capture the $22,500 Filly & Mare Not listed Preferred/Preferred Handicap Pace in 1:51.4 for Palone, trainer Randy Bendis and owners Bendis and Tom Pollack. Early leader Set Me Up was a head back in second, with Spreester a rallying third.
The five-year-old daughter of Bettors Delight-Mythical extended her career bankroll to $219,333.
Mike Wilder piloted four winners and Palone three on the 15-race card.
(The Meadows)