Paper Heart again enjoyed escort service from GD Cool Otoole and again kicked by her in the lane to capture the $22,703 series final of the Donna Dunn Memorial Pace for three-and four-year-old fillies and mares on Wednesday, March 20 at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.
In last week’s preliminary leg, Paper Heart stalked GD Cool Otoole from the pocket and blew by late to score in a swift 1:53.3. On Wednesday, the fractions were slower but the results the same as Paper Heart drew off for Dave Palone to triumph in 1:55.2. Keen Cathy was a ground-saving second, three lengths back, with 19-1 longshot Gamine third.
Jason Shaw trains Paper Heart and owns with Fortunate One LLC and Cory Kreiser. The three-year-old daughter of Heston Blue Chip-Paper Cut has won five of her last six starts.
Wednesday’s card also featured the $25,946 Filly & Mare Open Handicap Pace, in which Alexa Skye and Always Gonna B You duelled for the early lead. After Alexa Skye won that skirmish, she sprinted away from the field late to down Always Gonna B You by 6-1/2 lengths in a sharp 1:51.1. Fighting Evil completed the ticket.
Palone piloted the seven-year-old daughter of Somebeachsomewhere-Pirouette Hanover for trainer Virgil Morgan Jr. and owners Let It Ride Stables Inc. and Odds On Racing. Following four top three finishes, the win was Alexa Skye's first in six starts this year and her 26th victory overall, boosting her bankroll to $528,961.
Palone finished the 13-race program with four victories.
(With files from Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)