Parked the first three-eighths, Pounce K still had enough zip to hold off his stablemate down the backside Monday and score his second straight victory in the Ken Weaver Memorial Trot at The Meadows.
Trainer/driver Charlie Norris allowed Pounce K to pursue the lead at his own speed, but that lead appeared tenuous when Shimmering Crown moved first over. Pounce K shrugged off the challenge and triumphed by 2-1/2 lengths over Red Falkor in 1:59.3. Mateo M finished third. Bob Key bred and owns Pounce K, a sophomore son of Donato Hanover-Keys La Nina.
The second leg of the series for three- and four-year-old colts and geldings was conducted over three divisions, with NF Notebook (1:57.3) and September Hall (1:57.4) taking the other $11,250 splits.
In the $20,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Pace, Ali Rush, a low-end claimer as recently as late January, completed her ascent to the top of the class ladder by upsetting 4-5 favourite Do Me Honor by a head in 1:52.4, matching her career best.
Brett Miller drove for trainer Darren Taneyhill and owner Jessica Hensley. Since Hensley’s Jan. 28 $5,000 claim of Ali Rush, the eight-year-old daughter of Dragon Again-Alicrombie has won five of six starts, missing by a neck in her only defeat.
Miller drove five winners and Dave Palone four on the 15-race card, which also featured the first career winning drive for Stephen White, who guided Ideal Treasure home at a lush 53-1.
(The Meadows)