9-1 longshot takes Open Pace in photo finish

WASHINGTON, PA, Aug. 17, 2024 — Surreal Ideal (So Surreal) saved ground for most of the mile, then swung wide and vaulted past the harness racing leaders in the lane to pull off the 9-1 upset in Saturday’s $19,200 Open Handicap Pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

While Risenshine Seaside threw down a swift 1:21.3 three-quarters, Surreal Ideal hugged the cones in fourth, still 4 lengths in arrears at the three-quarters. But when Hunter Myers cut him loose, the 6-year-old gelding overtook the rallying Burnout to edge him by a nose in a career-best 1:49.1 Early leader American Fling finished third in the Lightning Lane.

SURREAL IDEAL REPLAY

Vernon Beachy trains Surreal Ideal, who now boasts a lifetime bankroll of $254,968, for 518 Group LLC and Gitup Racing.

Elsewhere on Saturday’s card, Distant Drums (Trixton-Altar Gal) captured a $13,000 Conditioned Trot to score his eighth consecutive victory for Mike Wilder, trainer Sarah Andrews and owner Matthew Miller. Interestingly, the 5-year-old gelding was on the bench for more than 19 months before launching his current streak.

DISTANT DRUMS REPLAY

Wilder collected five wins on the 13-race card, including a pair for trainer Brandon Presto, while Myers enjoyed a four-bagger.

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

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

by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association