Rising MVP earns top honors in Open

WASHINGTON, PA, June 4, 2021 — Deprived of his cover midway down the backside, Rising MVP persevered and went on to spring a 13-1 upset in Friday’s $16,000 Open Handicap Trot at The Meadows.

Rising MVP and Aaron Merriman intended to follow the cover of the first-over In Secret, but when that rival quickly cleared to the front, it left Rising MVP in the rare air. But the 6-year-old My MVP-Nutmegs Winner gelding was up to the task, powering forward to score in a career-best 1:53.1. Thunder shot the Lightning Lane for second, beaten 1-1/2 lengths, while In Secret saved show.

RISING MVP REPLAY

Bill Daugherty, Jr. trains Rising MVP, who now boasts a career bankroll of $333,017, for Susan Daugherty.

Dave Palone and Merriman each collected three wins on the 13-race card.

Saturday’s Belmont Day card at The Meadows features a pair of stakes for 3-year-old filly pacers: a $149,532 Pennsylvania Sires Stake and a $100,000 PA Stallion Series event. On the wagering front, the program offers two carryovers: $3,156.20 in the final-race Super Hi-5, $1,365.26 in the Pick 5 (race 8). Special post time is 11:25 PM.

For full race results, click here.

by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association