Waiting patiently behind the leaders as they engaged in a suicidal dual, The Meadows' newcomer Carolina Beach blazed through the Lightning Lane to score in 1:49.1—matching the track record—in the $20,000 Open Handicap Pace Saturday, June 22.
When Southwind Amazon engaged the leader, Windsong Leo, the pair battled throughout a blistering :26 third quarter. Carolina Beach, meanwhile, sat third, waiting for Aaron Merriman to release him. The five-year-old Somebeachsomewhere-Laughandbehappy gelding easily overtook the weary leaders, downing Windsong Leo by two-and-three-quarter lengths with Southwind Amazon taking third.
The time equaled the track mark for older gelding pacers held jointly by Atta Boy Dan, Escape The News and Reggiano.
The victory capped a dream week for Merriman, owner Renee Bercury and trainer Bill Bercury, who teamed to win three feature races including Monday’s with Barn Girl and Tuesday’s with Touchamatic.
Live racing at The Meadows resumes Monday, June 24 with first post at 1:05 p.m.
(with files from The Meadows)