Newfound speed aids Flite Craft in Kirwan Memorial

WASHINGTON, PA, April 15, 2023 — Flashing newfound early speed, Flite Craft (A Rocknroll Dance-Kitty Kitty Hawk) powered to the point at the quarter pole and drew off late to take Saturday’s $12,500 opening harness racing leg of the Tom Kirwan Memorial at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

The event for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers honors the memory of Tom Kirwan, who began his career as a trainer/driver at The Meadows and later served in backside supervisory positions.

Flite Craft hadn’t been on top at any call in his most recent five starts, but, using Lasix for the second time Saturday, he was more eager to go. Mike Wilder confidently moved him to the front, and it was no contest from there, as the gelding scored in a sharp 1:51, a career best. The pocket sitting Slipmeamiki was second, 3-3/4 lengths back, with Be The Captain third.

Norm Parker trains Flite Craft for Tenpin Stable, Albert Parker, Ryan Parker and Tom Klosky, Jr.

FLITE CRAFT REPLAY

In Saturday’s $19,300 Open Handicap Pace, A Fair Ol Dance N (A Rocknroll Dance-Presidential Affair) made it two straight, converting a pocket trip to a 1:50.3 victory for Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. trainer Ron Burke and owners Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Kitefield Stable.

The 8-year-old gelding has won 9 of his last 18 starts and banked $252,910 lifetime. Wild Wild Western and Sandbetweenmytoes rounded out the ticket.

A FAIR OF DANCE N REPLAY

Wrenn collected five wins on the 12-race card, including three for Burke, while Wilder enjoyed a triple.

Live racing at The Meadows resumes Wednesday, first post 12:45 PM.

For complete race results, click here.

by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association