WASHINGTON, PA, Sept. 27, 2024 — Sarasota Hanover (Stay Hungry-Surfside Sexy) turned back Gentrify’s stern challenge and rolled home in a harness racing stake-record 1:49.2 in Friday’s $54,750 Keystone Classic at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Pressure Cooker (Heston Blue Chip-Bettor Be Steamin) captured the other division of the event for 3-year-old filly pacers, giving Dave Palone and trainer Linda Toscano a stake sweep. Overall, Palone enjoyed six wins on the 13-race card.
Sarasota was cruising down the “good” backside when she faced first-over pressure from Gentrify. That changed Palone’s plans.
“I thought maybe I’d give her a breather up the backstretch, and then Gentrify sort of forced my hand,” Palone said. “But when I took the plugs our, she was off on her own. Really an impressive filly. She wouldn’t embarrass herself against any filly in the country.”
Once put to the task, she reasserted and defeated Gentrify by a length, with Lou Lou third. The time erased the previous stake mark held jointly by Lispatty and Drama Act.
SARASOTA HANOVER REPLAY
Jablonsky Held Stable, Camelor Stable Inc., John Fodera and South Mountain Stables campaign Sarasota Hanover, who now boasts a career bankroll of $243,025.
Pressure Cooker quarter-poled to the top and made the move stand up, downing the rallying Stonecoldtreachery by 3/4 lengths in a career-best 1:50.4. Staying With Emily completed the ticket.
“Last time I raced her, I had to use her leaving, and I had a little trouble getting her to relax,” Palone said. “But we were going enough that wasn’t an issue today. The fast fractions actually played into my hands.”
PRESSURE COOKER REPLAY
She now has earned $183,476 lifetime for owners Odds On Racing, Let It Ride Stables Inc. and Mac Nichol.
Left unexpectedly without cover, Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford and Holton (Dontyouforgetit) persevered and captured Friday’s $10,000 leg of the Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Association (GLADA) Trot at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.
Oldford was following the first-over cover of Larry “Enzo” Ferrari (Golden Compass) when that rival suddenly cleared and crossed over, leaving Oldford in the rare air. But he said he wasn’t concerned about his position.
“He felt really strong,” Oldford said. “I thought he would go by, and he did. I tapped him a few times and whistled at him, but we were rolling. He’ll race next in Lexington.”
Oldford made the lead easily and defeated Braiden Rhoades (Wild And Crazy Guy) by a neck in 1:55. Ferrari and Brandon “The Prestodigitator” Presto rounded out the ticket.
HOLTEN REPLAY
Allen Sisco trains Holton, a 7-year-old gelding who boosted his career bankroll to $213,470, for Oldford Racing LLC.
Saturday’s card at The Meadows features a $67,900 Keystone Classic for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers. On the wagering front, the program offers a $423.50 carryover 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