Seven wins for Palone including Pop-Up Series

WASHINGTON, PA, July 19, 2023 — Capping an eventful journey, Throw The Play (Heston Blue Chip-Sports Alert) rallied wide through the lane to score in Wednesday’s (Jul. 19) Pop Up Series for freshman harness racing filly pacers at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Stay Pumped sprang an 11-1 upset in the other $10,000 second-leg split.

In only her second career start, Throw The Play broke soon after the start and fell 8 lengths behind. As she launched a first-over move for Dave Palone, she had to avoid the breaking Southern Sugar, who fell to the track.

Her driver, Hunter Myers, landed on his feet and assisted Southern Sugar to hers. Neither appeared seriously injured; Myers, in fact, won the very next race.

Throw The Play, meanwhile, cruised past the field, defeating Americone Dream by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:57.4. Early leader Dry Ridge Ellen completed the ticket. Mike Hall trains the filly for Let It Ride Stables and Bottom Line Racing LLC.

THROW THE PLAY REPLAY

There was no such drama in the victory of Stay Pumped (Stay Hungry-Pump My Ride), as she zipped to the lead from post 6 for Aaron Merriman and held off the late challenge of Joy For All by a length in 1:57.3. Made It made it to third.

Randy Bendis trains the filly, who broke her maiden for owners Howard Alexander and Jack Piatt III.

STAY PUMPED REPLAY

Palone piloted seven winners on the 12-race card while Hall fashioned a four-bagger.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Thursday when the 12-race program features a $894.36 carryover in the Early Pentafecta (race 4). First post is 12:45 PM.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association