Unbeaten Whiskey Blu loses in photo

WASHINGTON, PA – March 31, 2021 — Jujubee controlled the tempo with a leisurely 1:00.3 half in the slop, then outsprinted Whiskey Blu to the wire to snap that rival’s career harness racing unbeaten streak at seven in Wednesday’s $12,500 opening leg of the Terry Altmeyer Memorial Trot. The series for sophomore colt and gelding trotters honors the memory of Terry Altmeyer, a fixture at both The Meadows and the Pennsylvania Fairs.

Although Whiskey Blu entered the series with impeccable credentials, Jujubee was no slouch in that area, boasting four victories in seven outings and nary an off-the-board finish. Indeed, players installed him as the 2-5 choice over Whiskey Blu’s 3-2.

The pocket-sitting Whiskey Blu unleashed a furious stretch drive but fell a nose short of Jujubee, who prevailed for Tony Hall in 1:57.3. Shane Patrick was a distant third.

JUJUBEE REPLAY

Greg Wright, Jr. trains the winner, a son of Creatine-La Cantera, for Jon Erdner.

Wednesday’s card also featured the $12,500 opening leg of the Ruby Cook Memorial Pace for 3-year-old fillies, a series named for the late Ruby Cook, longtime switchboard operator at The Meadows. Filly Speaks was hammered down to 1-5 and justified the heavy play, zipping to the lead and collecting an unpressured win — her third straight — in 1:55.1. Captains Maid shot the Lightning Lane for second, 1-3/4 lengths back, with Realization third.

FILLY SPEAKS REPLAY

Hall piloted the daughter of Artspeak-Fillys Victory for trainer Scott Betts and owners Tim Betts, Nick Catalano and Keith Pippi.

It was a big Wednesday for Hall, who totaled five wins on the 13-race card.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Thursday when the 13-race program features a $1,194.39 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5. First post is 12:45 PM.

For full race results, click here.

by Evan Pattak, for the MSOA