Wink N Atcha remained unbeaten in his career by notching his fifth straight victory in a division of a $298,556 Pennsylvania Sires Stake for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings at The Meadows
.
Monday’s event, known as the Tyler B, was contested over four divisions, with Movie Idol, Mystic Desire and Alsace Hanover taking the other splits. Freshman colt pacers remain in the spotlight Tuesday at The Meadows when the track hosts a $180,000 Pennsylvania Stallion Series stake.
Bet down to 1-2, Wink N Atcha moved quickly to the lead for Brian Sears and sailed to an effortless victory in 1:53.4, two lengths better than the pocket-sitting Hugadragon. Reckless Ric, Wink N Atcha’s stablemate, was third despite a demanding uncovered bid, his fourth in-the-money finish in as many career outings.
All five of Wink N Atcha’s wins have been in regional stakes, and all on five-eighths-mile tracks. Sears knows the Dragon Again-Kiss My Lips colt faces sterner challenges ahead.
“We got nice, soft fractions, and I was just keeping his mind on his business because he was looking at some shadows,” Sears said. “Otherwise, he was real good. He’ll get a real test against some good horses in the Metro Pace (Aug. 28 at Mohawk). We’ll find out how good he is then. I think he’ll be even better out of a hole.”
George Teague, Jr. trains Wink N Atcha for George Teague, Jr. Inc., Ted Gewertz, Gustis Teague and Paisano Stable.
Movie Idol turned in the stake’s fastest mile, breaking his maiden in 1:53.1 despite what driver Corey Callahan called human error. That possible miscalculation occurred near the three-quarters when Callahan opted to follow the cover of Brass Cap rather than save ground. When Brass Cap stalled a moment later, Movie Idol was forced to go wide.
Nevertheless, he persevered and downed Something For Doc by 3/4 lengths, with Prana completing the trifecta.
“I really made the wrong choice,” Callahan said. “I didn’t want to get locked in, so when I had a chance to move, I moved. If I’d sat in just another two seconds, I think he’d have won easier. But he’s a good horse. He overcame a bad decision.”
Shaun Callahan trains the son of I Am A Fool-Movie Star Legs and owns with Nick Callahan and Charles Bonuccelli.
Mystic Desire was parked out the first quarter but made short work of his division anyway, drawing off to prevail by 5-1/2 lengths in 1:53.2 for trainer/driver Ray Paver. Fameous Western was second with Real Trell third.
“I didn’t know if he would be sharp enough off a three-week layoff,” Paver said. “I just kind of yelled at him in the turn, and he just took off and coasted to the wire. And he wasn’t done. That’s a good sign, right?”
Angie Nessa and Jerry Stepter own Mystic Desire, a son of Real Desire-Cannes Festival who triumphed for the fourth time in five lifetime starts.
In the $22,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot, Hawaiianphotograph, who typically wants the lead, found herself in unfamiliar territory — away seventh and still trailing by five lengths at the top of the lane. She unleashed a powerful kick to score in 1:56.1 for Brian Zendt, trainer Bill Zendt and owner Shanamphilaniklou Inc.
Rose Run Keepsake was a nose back in second while Maple Point earned show money. The five-year-old daughter of SJs Photo-Hawaiian Rose now boasts $393,309 in career earnings.
(The Meadows)