Last week, Carolina Beach poured through the Lightning Lane to defeat the front-ending Windsong Leo. On Friday at The Meadows, it was déjà vu all over again, as Carolina Beach used the same scenario to down Windsong Leo in the $18,000 Open Handicap Pace.
Windsong Leo clicked off three-quarters in 1:22.3 and was unchallenged until Carolina Beach knifed inside from the pocket for Dan Rawlings. The 5-year-old Somebeachsomewhere-Laughandbehappy gelding scored in 1:49.3 — his second consecutive sub-2:00 mile — and downed Windsong Leo by 1/2 length. Statham N finished third.
Bill Bercury trains Carolina Beach, who now boasts a lifetime bankroll of $228,593, for Renee Bercury.
Tony Hall collected five wins, including a pair for trainer Cory Kreiser, while Dave Palone fashioned a triple on the 13-race card.
Hall romped in Friday’s Driver Charity Challenge at The Meadows, winning three of the five designated races and earning $3,000 for his charity partner, Western PA Wounded Warriors.
The event, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association (PHRA) and the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA), paired 10 drivers with as many local charities. Hall rolled up 106 points, easily outdistancing Dave Palone, who scored 60 points for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Great Pittsburgh, and Brady Brown, who tallied 55 points for Washington County Humane Society.
Each participating organization received at least $500. Other charities and their driving partners included:
• Bridge to Home Animal Rescue – Jim Pantaleano
• Harness Horse Youth Foundation – Brian Zendt
• Pacing for the Cure – Dan Rawlings
• Washington County Special Olympics – Chris Shaw
• Arc Human Services of Washington County – Shawn Johnston
• Washington County Animal Response Team (WaCART) – Ronnie Wrenn, Jr.
• Harness Racing Museum – Wilbur Yoder
Live racing at The Meadows resumes Monday, first post 1:05 p.m.
(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)