Daylights Daughter confidently pulled the pocket into the final turn and edged past the leader to score in Thursday’s (March 7) Mary Wohlmuth Memorial Trot at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Northern Demi, the 1-9 favourite, rolled home in the other $13,514 division of the event for three- and four-year-old fillies and mares.
The series honours the memory of Mary Wohlmuth, longtime manager of The 2:00 Club, a popular trackside gathering spot for horse owners and their families.
Daylights Daughter was stalking the 1-2 favourite, Bet On Brenna, but trainer/driver Tyler Stillings thought his best opportunity was to attack outside early. That proved to be the winning decision, as Daylights Daughter outkicked Bet On Brenna and downed her by 1-1/4 lengths in a career-best 1:58.1 over a “good” surface. Pull The Shoes was third. Rags To Riches Of PA LLC owns Daylights Daughter, a three-year-old daughter of Cantab Hall-Mistress Valentine.
Northern Demi moved to the point before the quarter for Dave Palone and never had an anxious moment, prevailing under wraps in 1:58.1. The pocket-sitting Dorferd was second, beaten 2-1/2 lengths, while Better In Aruba earned show after an extended uncovered move. Scott Betts trains the winner, a four-year-old daughter of Royalty For Life-Dover Miss, for Tim Betts.
Dale McConnell Memorial Trot — Three- and Four-Year-Old Horses, Colts & Geldings
Thursday’s card also featured the opening leg of the Dale McConnell Memorial Trot, named for the late trainer/driver who enjoyed uncommon success with such top trotters as Photomaker. The two $13,514 splits went to Carrera Hanover and Father Mike.
Carrera Hanover was forced four-wide for the early lead, but he was much the best from there, scoring for Ridge Warren by 3-1/4 lengths in 1:57.2, fastest win of his career and his second consecutive victory. Spicy Hops and Blockchain rounded out the ticket. J.L. Adams conditions the three-year-old Bar Hopping-Cankeysto gelding for Martin Valentic and McKenna Adams.
A three-year-old Father Patrick-Ready Any Time gelding, Father Mike broke his maiden in career start 10 by shooting the Lightning Lane and prevailing in 1:59.4 for Jeremy Indof, trainer Richard Perfido and owners Scott Leaf and Michael Ternisky. Yen Hanover rallied for second, a neck back, with early leader Mysterious Frank third.
Palone piloted four winners on the 14-race card.
Live racing at The Meadows continues Friday, March 8 when the 14-race program features a $627.40 carryover in the Lucky7 (race three), with the pool guaranteed at $3,000. First post is 12:45 p.m.
(With files from Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)