Maching Me Zilly endured a demanding :27.2 opening panel while seeking the lead, but she had enough in the tank to pull off a 7-1 upset — and score her second straight victory — in Wednesday’s co-feature at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, a $9,900 filly and mare claiming handicap pace.
Elm Grove Nellie, the 1-5 favourite, stalked from the pocket and challenged in the Lightning Lane. But Maching Me Zilly kept her head in front for Dave Palone and prevailed in 1:54.1, with Woodmere Rio third. It was one of five wins on the 12-race card for Palone.
Scot Davidson trains the winner, an 8-year-old daughter of Mach Three-Keystone Eliza who lifted her lifetime bankroll to $229,666, for Mitchell Standardbreds Inc.
In Wednesday’s other co-features, each worth $9,900:
Sophomore filly pacer Wags To Riches used a pocket journey to break her maiden in 1:55.4 in her fifth career start. Mike Wilder piloted the daughter of Betting Line-Twin B Thong for trainer Dan Altmeyer and owner Bay Pond Racing Stable. Dry Ridge Cutie and Toodles Hanover were second and third, respectively.
Twilight Blue Chip, a three-year-old daughter of Betting Line-Light Of Day, quarter-poled to the point and triumphed in 1:55 for Ridge Warren and owner/trainer Dave Zito. Sportytino and Marissa’s Ideal completed the ticket.
Wilder enjoyed a big Wednesday with three wins, including a pair for trainer Dan Altmeyer.
Live harness racing at The Meadows continues Thursday when the 12-race program features a pair of carryovers: $3,835.66 in the Jackpot Pick 5 (Race 4), $628.84 in the final-race Super Hi-5. First post is 12:45 PM.
(MSOA)