Frankly My Dear takes Arden Downs Stake

WASHINGTON, PA — Frankly My Dear saved ground through three-quarters, then moved powerfully first over to capture Friday’s Ned McCarr, a $38,345 Arden Downs Grand Circuit Stake for 3-year-old harness racing filly trotters, at The Meadows.

Once Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. asked her for trot, the daughter of Southwind Frank-Temple Of Athena had little trouble overtaking May Karp and downing her by 2-1/4 lengths in a career-best 1:55.1. Dazzling Reign completed the ticket.

Wrenn said it was his plan to put Frankly My Dear in a spot where her brush could be most effective.

“Last time out in the Currier & Ives, she got in a bad spot,” he said. “She was on the right line, and it was a little tough to steer her in the last turn. Today, I just wanted to get away decent. She has one really good move, and I was able to use it. She’s a nice filly, but she’s more of a trip horse.”

FRANKLY MY DEAR REPLAY

Ron Burke trains the winner, who extended her career earnings to $137,458, for Burke Racing Stable, Knox Services, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and J&T Silva-Purnel & Libby.

In the $16,000 Open Handicap Trot, Jeffery P made it look easy on the front end, scoring by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:53 without ever letting a challenger get close. Icanflylikeanangel and Rising MVP were second and third, respectively. Burke trains the 6-year-old Full Count-Betty Jean gelding, who now boasts a lifetime bankroll of $275,503, for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi and Phillip Collura.

Elsewhere on Friday’s program, driver Christian Myers recorded the first pari-mutuel victory of his career — and he did it with a flourish, bringing Sigsbee home at 60-1. Sal Digati trains the 4-year-old mare and owns with Lawrence Ciaramella and Anthony Ciaramella.

Dave Palone piloted three winners on the 13-race program.

Saturday’s 13-race card at The Meadows features the James Manderino, a $36,995 Arden Downs Grand Circuit Stake for sophomore colt and gelding trotters. On the wagering front, the program offers a $12,771.31 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 MSOA