Muddy track can’t stop Lady’s Dude

WASHINGTON, PA, Feb. 3, 2022 — Hammered down to 2-5, Lady’s Dude performed like the heavy favorite, cruising through the slop to his third straight harness racing victory in Thursday’s $17,600 Open Handicap Trot at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Lady’s Dude grabbed the early lead in a contested 27.3, and when Dave Palone gave him a 29.4 second-quarter breather, that was all the 11-year-old Victory Sam-Lady’s Star gelding needed to hold off the pocket-sitting Rising MVP by 3/4 lengths in 1:55. Long shot The Funk earned show.

Ron Burke trains Lady’s Dude, who soared over $900,000 in career earnings, for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Johnny Yoder.

LADY’S DUDE REPLAY

Palone piloted four winners on the 11-race card, including a pair for trainer Scott Betts. Over the past two programs, Palone and Betts have teamed for five victories.

Live racing at The Meadows continues FrIday when the 11-race program features a pair of carryovers: $2,076.41 in the Jackpot Pick 5 (race 4), $1,510.93 in the final-race Super Hi-5. First post is 12:45 PM.

For full race results, click here.

By Evan Pattak, for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association