Blue Ivy, who entered the day as harness racing’s fourth-leading earner this season, padded that impressive bankroll when they roared from the pocket to capture the $16,000 Filly & Mare Open Handicap Pace at The Meadows on Wednesday (May 26).
Blue Ivy already had earned $155,310 this season, largely to her outstanding performance in the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series at Yonkers, yet she found herself the 6-5 second pick behind Pace Baby Pace — and second to that rival until the top of lane. When driver Brady Brown sent her wide for the drive, the five-year-old daughter of Captaintreacherous-All Blue roared by to down Pace Baby Pace by three-quarter lengths in a career-fastest 1:50.1. Crisp Mane finished third.
Bill Bercury trains Blue Ivy, who lifted her lifetime earnings to $444,620, for Renee Bercury.
Freshmen got their first taste of competition Tuesday (May 25) at The Meadows when five youngsters raced in qualifiers. They were led by the stunning performance of the pacer Toto Hanover, a gelded son of A Rocknroll Dance-Tiz To Dream who romped home in 1:55.2 for David Brickell and owner-trainer Mitchell York.
Live racing at The Meadows continues Thursday (May 27), first post 12:45 p.m (EDT).
(The Meadows)