Let go at a juicy 25-1, Stirling Euphoria moved powerfully first over to score the upset in Monday’s opening leg of the Do Me Honor Pace at The Meadows.
The series is named for Do Me Honor, a fast-class pacer who has banked more than $682,000 and is currently racing for owner/trainer Bill Bercury.
A lightly-raced filly making only her fifth career start, Stirling Euphoria responded like a seasoned veteran when Dave Palone sent her first over — in the slop — after the leader, Wasaga Beach. She spurted clear and scored in a career-best 1:56, surviving an inquiry for a possible pylon violation. Terror Grin rallied for second, 1-1/4 lengths back, with Hooves On First third. Ben Davis trains the daughter of Western Ideal-Chattanooga for Brent Hopper, S&S Racing Stable and Kenneth York.
Lenore Karidian took the other $17,500 opening-leg division in the event for three-year-old fillies.
In the $22,500 Filly & Mare Not Listed Preferred/Preferred Handicap Pace, Spreester moved second over to victory for Aaron Merriman, trainer Bercury and owner Renee Bercury. The 5-year-old daughter of American ideal-Rodeo Spree, who now boasts $431,271 in career earnings, triumphed in 1:53.3, 1/2 length better than Show Runner. Set Me Up was third. The day’s honouree, Do Me Honor, competed in the event and finished fifth.
Jim Pantaleano piloted six winners — including a pair for his wife, trainer Christen Pantaleano — while Palone fashioned a triple on the 15-race card.
(The Meadows)