Carolina Beach stalked millionaire Southwind Amazon from the pocket, then outkicked him in the Lightning Lane to pull off the mild upset in the $17,900 Open Handicap Pace at The Meadows on Saturday (Aug. 8).
Bet down to 4-5, Southwind Amazon reeled off a swift 1:21.2 three-quarters but could not shake Carolina Beach, the 5-2 second choice. The six-year-old Somebeachsomewhere-Laughandbhappy gelding surged by the venerable 10-year-old and downed him by a neck in 1:49.2 Wild Wild Western finished a close-up third.
Bill Bercury trains Carolina Beach, who lifted his career bankroll to $377,008, for Renee Bercury.
Dave Palone collected six wins on the 15-race card, including a pair each for trainers Ron Burke and Kevin Johnson.
Saturday’s program was a showcase for the broodmare Caila Fra, who saw three of her sons race. It was a banner day for Mom, as Angelo J Fra won while Wild Wild Western and Lord Of Winterfell each finished third.
Live racing at The Meadows resumes Monday (Aug. 10) when the card features a pair of stakes for freshman trotting fillies as well as two rich wagering opportunities: a $5,762.79 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5 and a $5,000 total-pool guarantee for the Early Pick 4 (Race 3). First post is 12:45 p.m. (EDT).
(The Meadows)