Shuffled to sixth turning for home and with no apparent way out, Racin Hungry split horses in deep stretch and pulled off the 13-1 upset in Wednesday’s (May 1) $29,041 Filly & Mare Open Handicap Pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.
Racin Hungry had only a pair of qualifiers since shutting down last year after a Nov. 24 victory, and as her season’s debut developed, it looked like it would be little more than a tightener for her. But Ridge Warren guided her through a narrow seam, and the four-year-old daughter of Stay Hungry-Four Starzz Meliss responded by kicking by Beach Cowgirl and downing her by a half length in 1:51.3. Lydeo completed the ticket.
Jennifer Bongiorno trains Racin Hungry, who lifted her career earnings to $228,412, for Glenn Goller and Stephen Demeter.
Also of note on Wednesday’s card, Fighting Evil scorched the back half in :53.4, with a final quarter of :26.4, en route to victory in a $17,123 filly and mare conditioned pace. Ronnie Wrenn Jr. piloted the six-year-old daughter of Sweet Lou-Evil Fight, who now boasts a lifetime bankroll of $277,052, for trainer Jack Smith and owners Shannon Depinto and Howard Taylor.
And, in a banner day for distaff pacers, Cathy Hanover drew off to extend her winning streak to five for Dave Palone, trainer Johnny Yoder and owner Todds Auto. The five-year-old daughter of Betting Line-Code One Hanover captured a $15,343 conditioned pace in a career-best 1:52.3, pushing her lifetime earnings to $184,769.
Wrenn collected three wins on the 13-race card.
Live harness racing at The Meadows continues on Thursday, May 2, with first post at 12:45 p.m.
(Meadows Standardbred Owners of Association)