Good Deal overwhelms in Kirwan Memorial

WASHINGTON, PA, April 30, 2022 — Good Deal overwhelmed his stablemate, Loukes Perry, through the final turn and drew off to a decisive harness racing victory in Saturday’s $20,750 championship of the Tom Kirwan Memorial Pace for 3-year-old colts and geldings at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Loukes Perry was hammered down to 1-9 and appeared to be idling outside early, waiting for the field to settle before making his move to the point. But that move wasn’t quick enough, and he didn’t clear until well past the three-eighths.

Good Deal, meanwhile, sat patiently in third, waiting for Dave Palone to press the button. Finally unleashed, the Sweet Lou-Cut A Deal gelding powered to victory in a career-best 1:51.4, 1-3/4 lengths better than the pocket-sitting World For Two. Loukes Perry saved show.

Ron Burke trains Good Deal for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and J&T Silva – Purnell & Libby.

GOOD DEAL REPLAY

In Saturday’s $16,000 Open Handicap Pace, Wild Wild Western fought off a serious third-quarter challenge from double millionaire Dorsoduro Hanover to notch his fifth consecutive victory — all in the Open Handicap. Wild Wild Western edged Dorsoduro Hanover, who has been second or third in each of his rival’s five recent wins, by a head in 1:50.2, with early leader Carolina Beach third.

Mike Wilder piloted the winner, a 6-year-old son of Western Ideal-Caila Fra who now has banked $438,885, for trainer Norm Parker and owners Jacobs Creek Racing, Andrew Altobelli and Jon Deters.

WILD WILD WESTERN REPLAY

Aaron Merriman and Burke each collected three wins on the 11-race program.

Saturday’s Jackpot Pick 5 featured a $25,000 guarantee and a mandatory payout, with each correct ticket worth $347.74.

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

For complete race results, click here.

by Evan Pattak, for the Standardbred Owners Association