Maching Me Zilly digs in for upset

WASHINGTON, PA, Aug. 24, 2022  — Maching Me Zilly (Mach Three-Keystone Eliza) endured a demanding 27.2 opening panel while seeking the lead, but she had enough in the tank to pull off a 7-1 upset — and score her second straight victory — in Wednesday’s harness racing co-feature at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, a $9,900 Filly & Mare Claiming Handicap Pace.

Elm Grove Nellie, the 1-5 favorite, stalked from the pocket and challenged in the Lightning Lane. But Maching Me Zilly kept her head in front for Dave Palone and prevailed in 1:54.1, with Woodmere Rio third. It was one of five wins on the 12-race card for Palone. Scot Davidson trains the winner, an 8-year-old mare who lifted her lifetime bankroll to $229,666, for Mitchell Standardbreds Inc.

MACHING ME ZILLY REPLAY

In Wednesday’s other co-features, each worth $9,900:

• Sophomore filly pacer Wags To Riches (Betting Line-Twin B Thong) used a pocket journey to break her maiden in 1:55.4 in her fifth career start. Mike Wilder piloted the filly for trainer Dan Altmeyer and owner Bay Pond Racing Stable. Dry Ridge Cutie and Toodles Hanover were second and third, respectively.
• Twilight Blue Chip, a 3-year-old daughter of Betting Line-Light Of Day, quarter-poled to the point and triumphed in 1:55 for Ridge Warren and owner/trainer Dave Zito. Sportytino and Marissa’s Ideal completed the ticket.

Mike Wilder enjoyed a big Wednesday with three wins, including a pair for trainer Dan Altmeyer.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Thursday when the 12-race program features a pair of carryovers: $3,835.66 in the Jackpot Pick 5 (race 4), $628.84 in the final-race Super Hi-5. First post is 12:45 PM.

For complete race results, click here.

by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association