Lunar overcame a demanding first quarter to stretch his career unbeaten streak to three in Friday’s (April 2) Tom Kirwan Memorial Pace at The Meadows. Cheese Omelet took the other $12,500 opening-leg division of the series for three-year-old colts and geldings.
Lunar was hammered down to 1-5 but appeared in trouble early, as it took him the entire first quarter to cross over. Once on top, though, he was much the best for Ronnie Wrenn Jr., triumphing in 1:54, 2-3/4 lengths better than Themysteryisover. Manholmes completed the ticket.
Ron Burke trains Lunar, a Sweet Lou-Crescent City gelding, for Burke Racing Stable, Phillip Collura, Knox Services and J&T Silva-Purnel&Libby.
Cheese Omelet’s victory was more straight-line motion, as the American Ideal-Tongue In Cheek gelding exploded to the point from post 2 and held off the late charge of the first-over Pretty Ricki to edge that rival by a nose in 1:54.1. Routhland finished third. Dave Palone piloted for owner-trainer Mike Palone.
The event honours the memory of Tom Kirwan, whose long, productive career at The Meadows included stints as a trainer, driver and stall superintendent.
Wrenn and Burke teamed for three wins on the 13-race card while Dan Rawlings also enjoyed a triple.
Live racing at The Meadows resumes Wednesday (April 7), when the program features a pair of carryovers: $4,775.41 in the final-race Super Hi-5 and $730.78 in the Pick-5. First post is 12:45 p.m.
(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)