No better than fifth in the series preliminary legs, Imelda Hanover rode a two-move trip to an impressive victory in Wednesday’s $18,800 championship of the Ruby Cook Memorial for three-year-old filly pacers at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.
Imelda Hanover vied for the early lead but was forced to take a seat fourth. Undeterred, the daughter of Sweet Lou-Ideal Newton moved determinedly first-over for Hunter Myers, wore down the leader, Southwind Bourbon, and scored in a career-best 1:54.3. True Seelster followed the winner’s cover for second, three-quarters of a length back, with Kiss Of A Rockstar third.
Ron Burke trains Imelda Hanover for Burke Racing Stable, J&T Silva Stables, Larry Karr and Phillip Collura. Sent postward as the second longest shot on the board at odds of 6-1, the filly paid $14.60 to win. The victory was her third in 17 career starts.
Myers collected three wins on the 12-race card, including a pair for trainer Steve Bush.
Live harness racing at The Meadows continues Thursday when the 12-race program features a $10,000 guarantee (actual carryover $3,534.79) in the Early Pick 4 (Race 1). The card also offers two other carryovers — $623.18 in the Early Pentafecta (Race 4), $368.53 in the Pick 5 (Race 8). First post is 12:45 p.m.
(With files from MSOA)