Designer Drink makes a splash in PaSS upset

WASHINGTON, PA, Aug. 26, 2022  — A four-race maiden entering the race, Designer Drink (Bar Hopping-Designable) shot the Lightning Lane to spring the 10-1 upset in Friday’s (Aug. 26) $151,230 Pennsylvania Sires Stake at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Once In a Lifetime (Father Patrick-Sherrys Lady) captured the other division in the event for 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters, known as the Florida Pro, giving Tim Tetrick a PASS sweep.

While Carter Michael Deo and Luke’s Bar dueled for the lead down the backside, Designer Drink patiently waited at the cones. When he found clearance inside, the gelding blew past Carter Michael Deo, defeating him by 1-1/4 lengths. Father Stosh rallied for show.

“He had a whole lot of bad luck, and I told Timmy, if you just give him a shot, he can go with those colts,” said Symon Spicer, who trains Designer Drink for Keystone Stable. “He’s been getting run into, getting run over, but I had all the faith in the world in him.”

Once In A Lifetime earned his second straight PASS win by getting away fourth, moving with cover down the backside and brushing through the lane to triumph in 1:55.4, matching his career best. Spitfire Oversees finished second, beaten 1-1/4 lengths, with Southwind Distilld third.

“I never pulled his plugs last week and didn’t pull them again today,” Tetrick said. “That’s a sharp little horse, and he likes his work. He’s pretty solid. You don’t have to hold your breath too much when you drive him.”

Jim Campbell conditions Once In A Lifetime for Sad Frog Farms.

$60,000 PA Stallion Series — 2-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Trot

Tetrick and Spicer also teamed to score with Drake Hanover (Andover Hall-Dancing For Money), who collected a maiden-breaking victory in 1:56.3. Tetrick had been racing the youngster fairly conservatively, but circumstances forced him to move at the three-eighths.

“They jammed up so fast I was about to run over the guy in front of me,” Tetrick said. “So I was out. I did what I had to do. But we’ve been teaching him to finish. He’s learning how to race.”

He was up to the challenge, downing Biscoe Hanover by 1-1/2 lengths, with long shot Latavius third. William Masterson, Keystone Stable and Ross Spicer campaign Drake Hanover.

The other stallion series splits went to Open Bar (Bar Hopping) and Spicy Hops (Bar Hopping) — the latter at 51-1.

Great Lakes Amateur Driving Associaton Trot

Parked for more than half the race, Floyd “Roper” Rhodes and Forever Jesse (Jailhouse Jesse) persevered and drew off to a surprisingly easy victory in the $10,000 leg of the Great Lakes Amateur Driving Association (GLADA) trot.

Rhodes and Forever Jesse have drawn post 6 or deeper for six start starts, resulting in some brutal overland journeys for the 6-year-old Jailhouse Jesse-Chillinghim gelding. Rhodes blames the driver, at least in part, for that.

“He can get in a hole when a professional drives him,” he said. “When an amateur drives him, I look and I think, ‘I’m not sure that’s enough room. Maybe I should just stay out there.’ I don’t know who’s more tired — him or me.”

On Friday, Rhodes finally cleared Leslie “Pay the Rent” Zendt (Classicality) before the three-quarters and drew off to defeat Scott “Scooter” Betts (Lifeintheslammer) by 4-1/4 lengths in 1:55.3. Stephen “You’re Never Too” Oldford (Sumbodygetdisfool) and Tom “Mayhem” Svrcek (Worthy Of Honor) rounded out the ticket.

Rhodes also trains and owns Forever Jesse, who lifted his career bankroll to $145,281.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Saturday when the 12-race program features a pair of stakes for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers — a $137, 956 PASS and a $40,000 PA Stallion Series event. On the wagering front, the card offers a $2,340.33 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5. First post is 12:45 PM.

For complete race results, click here.

by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association