Gingras sweeps $140,000 PA Sire Stakes

WASHINGTON, PA, May 20, 2023 — Railee Something (International Moni-Railee Priti) turned Saturday’s (May 20) Pennsylvania Sires Stake at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows into a personal showcase as she routed the field by 11-1/2 lengths in an eye-popping 1:52.3 in the slop. Sheer Faith (Better Caviar-Sheer Delight) captured the other division in the event, known as the Meadow Bright, for sophomore filly trotters, giving Yannick Gingras a stakes sweep of the $140,000 in purses.

Railee Something seized the lead from the rail and never faced even a mild challenge, though she was helped somewhat when three fillies behind her broke stride. But there was little doubt she was the best — and might be destined for more.

“I was kind of a passenger,” Gingras said. “She got the job done, and she was pretty strong doing it. She’s fast, no doubt about that. She has the speed. We’ll have to ration it and try to get it at the right time.”

Lindy’s Irishcream and Tipsy Moni completed the ticket. Run Burke trains the filly who now has won nine of 15 career starts and $251,725 — for owner/breeder Ron Mersky.

RAILEE SOMETHING REPLAY

Sheer Faith entered the Meadow Bright as the hottest filly in the field; she was first or second in all five of her previous outings this year, including a win in the SRF series championship at the Meadowlands.

Nobody could cool her off Saturday, as she, too, protected rail position and scored decisively in 1:55.1, a career best. Heaven Hanover was 1-1/2 lengths back in second with Portulaca third.

“She’s more mature, but I liked her when I drove her last year,” Gingras said. “I think she’s a good sire stakes filly. Hopefully she’ll make some money in the series.”

SHEER FAITH REPLAY

Per Engblom conditions the filly for Engblom Stable LLC and FAC Racing LLC.

$60,000 PA Stallion Series — 3-Year-Old Filly Trotters

Piano Bar, Lillehammer Hall and Fortune Forecast each took a division of Saturday’s sub-feature.

Piano Bar (Bar Hopping-Fly Angel Fly) retook the lead at the quarter and broke her maiden under wraps for Dave Palone, trainer Ake Svanstedt and owners Al Libfeld, Marvin Katz and Sam Goldband. The filly prevailed in 1:57, 3-1/4 lengths better than Jameson N Lime. Keystone Sweetpea earned show.

“I thought she might be the best and raced her accordingly. I just wanted to get her around the turns,” Palone said. “She’s a beautiful filly with a nice mouth.”

Saturday’s card also featured a pair of top overnight events. Wild Wild Western (Western Ideal) won the $21,200 Open Pace for Mike Wilder, trained Norm Parker and owners Jacobs Creek Racing, Andrew Altobelli and Jon Deters. The 7-year-old recorded his 36th career win and lifted his lifetime bankroll to $593,896.

The $19,200 Open Trot went to Rose Run Xtra (Cash Hall-Anything But Love), a 4-year-old who was piloted by Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. for Burke and owners Burke Racing Stable, Hatfield Stables, Knox Services and Jason Melillo. Rose Run Xtra triumphed in 1:54.2 to extend his lifetime bankroll to $478,728.

Palone collected four wins on the 14-race card while Mike Wilder and Burke enjoyed three baggers.

When live racing at The Meadows resumes Wednesday, the program will feature a $1,194.70 carryover in the Early Pentafecta (race 4). First post is 12:45 PM.

For complete race results, click here.

by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association