Whitelake Hanover remained undefeated in her three-race career by capturing the fastest division of Friday’s $211,838 Pennsylvania Sires Stakes for freshman filly trotters at The Meadows.
The event, known as the Meadow Gladys, was contested over six divisions, with Broadway Donna, Womans Will, Lookin Sharp, Windowshopper and Sunset Glider taking the other splits. David Miller enjoyed a stakes double with Broadway Donna and Whitelake Hanover.
Whitelake Hanover won both previous starts on the front end, but Miller decided to change tactics in the Meadow Gladys, allowing the daughter of Explosive Matter-Whispering Wind to settle fifth before sending her after the lead.
“She was starting to get a little aggressive, and I spent a lot of time trying to get her back,” Miller said. “I was probably too far back, but she was strong right through the end. They get aggressive, and they get racy, but she’ll learn. It probably will take a few more starts.”
Whitelake Hanover prevailed in 1:55.4, a length better than Best Of Dreams, with Twice Is Right third. Chris Oakes trains the youngster for Omar Beiler, Dennis Coons and Susan Oakes.
Not to be outdone, Broadway Donna also extended her career unbeaten streak to three — despite a parked-out first quarter — for trainer Jim Campbell and owner/breeder Fashion Farms. The Donato Hanover filly, who is out of 2009 Hambletonian Oaks winner Broadway Schooner, scored in 1:56, two and three-quarter lengths better than Im Outstanding. Twill Be Done earned show.
“She’s a real professional,” Campbell said. “Her speed comes to her easy, and there’s no wasted action with her. She travels over the ground very light. Her next race will be a sires stake at Pocono.”
Womans Will remained perfect in two starts with a neck victory in 1:56.1 over Kathy Parker, with Maeve Quaider third. A tough opening panel, when she duelled outside for the lead, gave winning driver Andy Miller some anxious moments.
“She had to work a little harder, but she’s a pretty gutty filly,” he said. “She’s a pro. She knows what she’s doing. She’s done everything we’ve asked of her so far; you can’t ask for much more than that.”
Julie Miller conditions the daughter of Donato Hanover-Will Of A Woman for her Ontario connections, Al Libfeld and Marvin Katz.
In the $20,000 Filly & Mare Not Listed Preferred/Preferred Handicap Pace, Certified Ideal rallied through the lane to triumph in 1:51.3 for Tony Hall and trainer Randy Bendis, who owns the five-year-old daughter of Western Ideal-Arebas Last with Mike Novosel Jr., Tom Pollack and James Walton. Stucklikeglue finished a head back in second while early leader Sand Tilly Lace saved show. Certified Ideal now boasts $365,897 in lifetime earnings.
(With files from The Meadows)