Donna Dunn Memorial underway at The Meadows

WASHINGTON, PA, March 9, 2022 — Collusion Illusion needed two tries to get by Sharp Looker but get by she did en route to a maiden-breaking harness racing victory in Wednesday’s Donna Dunn Memorial Pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Somemiki Hanover took the other $10,000 division in the opening leg of the event for 3- and 4-year-old fillies and mares.

The event honors the memory of Donna Dunn, longtime Standardbred owner at The Meadows and wife of the late prominent breeder/owner/trainer/driver Walter “Boots” Dunn.

Collusion Illusion initially challenged Sharp Looker first over, but when she couldn’t clear, Dan Charlino tucked her back to the cones for a quick breather. That may have been the difference, as the 3-year-old daughter of Sweet Lou-Spoiled Beach roared through the sloppy stretch to defeat Sharp Looker by 2 lengths in 1:55.4. Irish Daydream finished third.

Ron Burke trains Collusion Illusion for Burke Racing Stable, J&T Silva-Purnel&Libby, Knox Services and Phillip Collura.

COLLUSION ILLUSION REPLAY

Somemiki Hanover moved three wide through the final turn and drew off by 2-1/2 lengths to score in a career-best 1:56.1, with Jillian B Miki and Racing Life rounding out the ticket.

Hunter Myers drove the 3-year-old daughter of Always B Miki-Someheartsomewhere for trainer Dan Altmeyer and owners Diamond Club Racing, Richard Kelson, David Wills and Roger Huston.

SOMEMIKI HANOVER REPLAY

Myers collected four wins on the 11-race card, giving him eight over the last two programs.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Thursday when the 11-race card features a $19,867.28 carryover in the Jackpot Pick 5 (race 4) as well as a $730.24 carryover 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