Railee Something turned the Pennsylvania Sires Stake at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows on Saturday (May 20) into a personal showcase as she routed the field by 11-1/2 lengths in an eye-popping 1:52.3 in the slop. Sheer Faith captured the other division in the event, known as the Meadow Bright, for sophomore filly trotters, giving Yannick Gingras a stake sweep.
Railee Something seized the lead from the rail and never faced even a mild challenge, though she was helped somewhat when three fillies behind her broke stride. But there was little doubt she was the best — and might be destined for more.
“I was kind of a passenger,” said Gingras. “She got the job done and she was pretty strong doing it. She’s fast, no doubt about that. She has the speed. We’ll have to ration it and try to get it at the right time.”
Lindys Irishcream and Tipsy Moni completed the ticket. Ron Burke trains the daughter of International Moni-Railee Priti, who now has won nine of 15 career starts and $251,725, for owner/breeder Ron Mersky.
Sheer Faith entered the Meadow Bright as the hottest filly in the field; she was fist or second in all five of her previous outings this year, including a win in the SRF Series championship at The Meadowlands.
Nobody could cool her off Saturday, as she, too, protected rail position and scored decisively in 1:55.1, a career best. Heaven Hanover was 1-1/2 lengths back in second with Portulaca third.
“She’s more mature, but I liked her when I drove her last year,” said Gingras. “I think she’s a good sires stake filly. Hopefully she’ll make some money in the series.”
Per Engblom conditions the daughter of Better Caviar-Sheer Delight for Engblom Stable LLC and FAC Racing LLC.
$60,000 PA Stallion Series — Three-Year-Old Filly Trotters
Piano Bar, Lillehammer Hall and Fortune Forecast each took a division of Saturday’s sub-feature.
Piano Bar retook the lead at the quarter and broke her maiden under wraps for Dave Palone, trainer Ake Svanstedt and owners Al Libfeld, Marvin Katz and Sam Goldband. The daughter of Bar Hopping-Fly Angel Fly prevailed in 1:57, 3-1/4 lengths better than Jameson N Lime. Keystone Sweetpea earned show.
“I thought she might be the best and raced her accordingly. I just wanted to get her around the turns,” said Palone. “She’s a beautiful filly with a nice mouth.”
Saturday’s card also featured a pair of top overnight events. Wild Wild Western won the $21,200 Open Pace for Mike Wilder, trained Norm Parker and owners Jacobs Creek Racing, Andrew Altobelli and Jon Deters. The seven-year-old son of Western Ideal recorded his 36th career win and lifted his lifetime bankroll to $593,896.
The $19,200 Open Trot went to Rose Run Xtra, a four-year-old son of Cash Hall-Anything But Love who was piloted by Ronnie Wrenn Jr. for Burke and owners Burke Racing Stable, Hatfield Stables, Knox Services and Jason Melillo. Rose Run Xtra triumphed in 1:54.2 to extend his lifetime bankroll to $478,728.
Palone collected four wins on the 14-race card while Mike Wilder and Burke enjoyed three-baggers.
When live harness racing at The Meadows resumes Wednesday, the program will feature a $1,194.70 carryover in the Early Pentafecta (Race 4). First post is 12:45 p.m.
(MSOA)