Hooves On First shot the Lightning Lane to capture a division of Monday’s second leg of the Do Me Honor Pace at The Meadows.
Away third for Aaron Merriman, Hooves On First waited patiently until the Lightning Lane beckoned. She shot past the leader, Stirling Euphoria, and defeated her by 2-1/2 lengths in 1:55.2 in the slop. Wasaga Beach earned show. Dean Santantonio conditions the daughter of Yankee Cruiser-Modern Medicine and owns with Absolute Return Stable and Regency Group Stable.
Sweet You took the other $17,500 split of the Do Me Honor Pace for three-year-old fillies. The championship leg of the series is set for Monday, April 18.
In the $24,800 Filly & Mare Not Listed Preferred/Preferred Handicap Pace, Spreester made it two straight when she moved three wide into the final turn and powered home in 1:53, a neck better than 60-1 outsider Fox Valley Charm. Early leader Show Runner was third.
Merriman drove the five-year-old daughter of American Ideal-Rodeo Spree, who extended her career bankroll to $443,671, for trainer Bill Bercury and owner Renee Bercury.
Mike Wilder piloted four winners, including a pair for trainer Ray Romanetti, while Dave Palone fashioned a triple on the 15-race card.
(The Meadows)