In just his third career start, Two AM converted a relentless first-over bid to victory in Tuesday’s Pennsylvania Stallion Series at The Meadows.
The event for freshman colt and gelding trotters was contested over six divisions, with Fashion Winner, Backstage Pass, Kabang, Dude Hanover and Larson Hanover taking the other splits. Mike Wilder enjoyed a stake double behind Dude Hanover and Larson Hanover.
Leaving from the rail, Two AM was fifth by nine lengths when Brian Zendt sent him after the leader, Ninetieth Minute, at the three-eighths. The Muscle Massive-Slightly Tipsy gelding advanced steadily like a polished veteran, putting away Ninetieth Minute and scoring in 1:57.2. Brown Bear was second, two lengths back, while Meteoric rallied for show.
“The rail is tough for young horses, and I didn’t want to rush him off. I knew he had enough trot,” Zendt said. “I figured I’d get him out and sit out there instead of having somebody else getting in the road. When I spoke to him and let him know down the backside that I wanted him to go, he took off like a jet.”
Todd Buter trains Two AM for Lynette Buter, Gene Oldford Farms, William Fuhs and Carol Fuhs.
Backstage Pass shared stake honours with his win in 1:57.2, but he achieved it on the front end from post 8 for Tony Hall. Live for Greatness was second, with Equestrianconxtion third.
Jimmie Ritter, Jr., who took over the training duties for Jessica Smith’s son of Donato Hanover-Imyourbiggestfan before his last outing, said a shoeing change may have been a factor.
“His feet were bothering him, so we worked on them and put flip-flops on him,’ Ritter said. “They did a good job with him all winter.”
Fashion Winner boasted a victory and a second in two career outings — both on the lead. On Tuesday, however, he was away fourth before Dave Palone sent him to the front with a power move near the half. The Broadway Hall-Fun And Strokes gelding triumphed by 2-3/4 lengths over Almirola Hanover in 1:57.4. Brand New Key earned show.
“I was taking a beating because he went to the lead the last two times,” said winning owner/trainer Bennie Magliochetti. “Everyone’s telling me, you’ll ruin him.
I said, when you’re the best, you can’t take back. When (Palone) took him back, I really wasn’t worried. Still, I’d rather have them chase me than be chasing them.”
In the $20,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot, Smokinmombo survived a Lightning Lane challenge by Whata Donato, holding her off by a neck in 1:54.2.
Barn Girl completed the ticket. Aaron Merriman piloted the 4-year-old daughter of Explosive Matter-Horizontal Mombo, who extended her career bankroll to $390,652, for trainer Chris Beaver and owners Synerco Ventures, James Gallagher and Beaver.
Merriman and Palone each collected three wins on the 14-race card.
Wednesday’s program at The Meadows features the Florida Pro, an $184,096 PA Sires Stake for two-year-old colt and gelding trotters. First post is 1 p.m.
(The Meadows)