Two-year-olds shine in Pop-Up Series

WASHINGTON, PA, June 28, 2024 — Hollywood Casino at The Meadows hasn’t officially dubbed this week “Freshmen Fest,” but it well might have. By the time the four-day harness racing week ends late Saturday afternoon, a total of 108 freshmen will have faced the starter in a combination of overnights, Pop-Up Series, Pennsylvania Sire Stakes and PA Stallion Series events.

Not only does this focus on 2-year-olds provide challenging handicapping for players and entertaining racing for fans, but it also reflects the confidence of local horsemen and horsewomen in the ongoing opportunities harness racing provides.

Friday’s card was indeed a showcase for 2-year-olds, bringing together 44 of them in a pair of Pop-Up Series opening legs spanning seven $10,000 splits. Here are the highlights:

Pop-Up Series, 2-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Pacers

Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. and trainer Ron Burke enjoyed a Pop-Up double with Lou’s Albano and Lew Hauber while Fasting (Stay Hungry-Rachel Welch) took the third split.

A first-time starter, Fasting hustled to the point from post 5 and blazed the final quarter in 27.4, quashing all hope for the closers. Jeremy Indof piloted the gelding for trainer Mitch York, who owns with Erin York. Ridin The Waves finished second, beaten 3/4 lengths, while Aiden Station completed the ticket.

FASTING REPLAY

Pop-Up Series, 2-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Trotters

The four divisions went to Bombay Tom (Bar Hopping-Miss Willa), Vandy Lane (What The Hill), Got Lucky De Vie (Bar Hopping), and Memory Vault (Uncle Peter), with Chris Lems collecting a Pop-Up double behind Bombay Tom and Vandy Lane.

It was the second career start for Bombay Tom, but he responded to Lems like a seasoned pro, moving first over from third to score in 2:02. Abraham Hanover was a neck back in second, with Cadeau third. Norm Parker trains the gelding for Bart Brice. Tood Brice, Charles Receski and Ed Receski.

BOMBAY TOM REPLAY

Wrenn totaled five wins — including four for Burke — on the 13-race card while Lems fashioned a three-bagger, including a pair of victories for trainer Scott Cox.

Saturday’s program at The Meadows again shines the spotlight on freshmen with a pair of stakes for filly trotters: a $158,798 PA Sires Stake and an $80,000 PA Stallion Series event. On the wagering front, the card offers a pair of carryovers: $1,310.24 in the Early Pentafecta (race 4), $317.69 in the Pick 5 (race 9). First post is 12:45 PM.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association