Stakes record set in Keystone Classic

WASHINGTON, PA, Sept. 17, 2021 — You Ato Dream caught a sloppy track and a harness racing field somewhat less than the elite bunch she’s been facing. But none of that stopped her as she cruised to a stake record 1:52.2 in Saturday’s $58,150 Keystone Classic for 3-year-old filly trotters at The Meadows.

The time shattered the previous record of 1:53.3 established by Classic Martine in 2013. The daughter of Donato Hanover-Dream Child soared over $500,000 in career earnings for owners William Richardson, George Romanoff, Martin Garey and Jeff Gregory, who also is her trainer/driver.

Gregory said You Ato Dream, runner-up in the Pennsylvania Sires Stake championship, was unusually keyed up during the mile.

“For some reason I had a little trouble getting her to relax on the front; she just kept rolling,” Gregory said. “She wasn’t out of control, but she wasn’t relaxing like she normally does. I don’t know if it was the mud or what, but she can definitely go.”

Instead of tiring late, though, she easily turned back the challenge of the pocket-sitting Evening Stroll and defeated her by 4 lengths. Gold Stones earned show.

YOU ATO DREAM REPLAY

Gregory indicated You Ato Dream will race next in Grand Circuit action at the Red Mile.

Goo Doo Doll (Googoo Gaagaa) took the stake’s other division with a powerful uncovered move that carried her to victory in 1:55.2 for Aaron Merriman, trainer Edwin Gannon, Jr. and owner Frank Canzone. Sister Christina and Frankly My Dear completed the ticket.

GOO DOO DOLL REPLAY

$83,700 Keystone Classic — 3-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Pace

Friday’s co-feature was a showcase for Ronnie Wrenn, Jr., who swept both the events behind Lou’s Pearlman and Chase H Hanover.

The victory by Lou’s Pearlman, the 3-5 favorite, was no surprise, as it followed his 1:49.4 triumph in the PA Sires Stake final. In the Keystone Classic, the son of Sweet Lou-Lucy’s Pearl was just about push-button for Wrenn, quarter-poling to the top and easily defeating his stablemate, Emblaze Hanover, by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:50.4. Early leader Mysweetboymax finished third.

“Since he added Lasix, he’s been really good.” Wrenn said. “I expect him to be really sharp next week in the Jug. He’s good gaited and handles the turns well, so I think the half-mile- track will be no problem for him.”

Ron Burke trains Lou’s Pearlman, who lifted his lifetime bankroll to $444.586, for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, Elizabeth Novak and Howard Taylor.

LOU’S PEARLMAN REPLAY

Wrenn credits the winning performance of Chase H Hanover to the bridle change implemented by trainer Scott Cox.

“Scott closed him back up, and he raced a lot better,” Wrenn said. “He had a lot more coming home.”

Although stretched out by Carbine while trying for the early lead, Chase H Hanover prevailed in 1:50.1, a length better than His Beats Hanover, with Carbine third. The Captaintreacherous-Calgary Hanover now has banked $451,350 for owners Cox and Jason Ash.

CHASE H HANOVER REPLAY

Wrenn finished the 13-race card with four wins, including three for Burke.

Friday’s Super Hi-5, fueled by a carryover of nearly $80,000 and a mandatory payout, attracted a pool of $333,514.41. Multiple winning ticket-holders enjoyed a return of $2,004.46.

Live racing at The Meadows resumes Tuesday, first post 12:45 PM.

For full race results, click here.

by Evan Pattak, for the MSOA