Pop-Up Series Finals held at The Meadows

WASHINGTON, PA, July 20, 2023  — Activation (Father Patrick-Repentance) moved crisply first over, gobbled up the leader and drew off late to capture Thursday’s (Jul. 20) $15,000 harness racing championship of a Pop-Up Series for freshman colt and gelding trotters at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

The card also featured a $15,000 Pop Up Series final for 2-year-old filly trotters, which went to Cantab’s Joy (Cantab Hall-Traviata).

Greenback Session had to work hard for the early lead, finally crossing over near the three-eighths. That made him vulnerable to the challenge of Activation, who moved alertly from third for Anthony MacDonald and rolled home in a career-best 1:57.3, 1-1/2 lengths better than Marching Forth. My Bar Tab completed the ticket.

Tim Twaddle trains Activation, a gelding, for Thestable Activation Group.

ACTIVATION REPLAY

Cantab’s Joy (Cantab Hall) remained unbeaten after two career starts, grabbing the lead first over for Jeremy Indof and just holding off the Lightning Lane challenge of Noelle’s Alibi, edging her by a neck in 1:59.2. Young And Reckless rallied for show.

Todd Luther conditions Cantab’s Joy, a filly, for Greg Luther Racing LLC.

CANTAB’S JOY REPLAY

Mike Wilder, MacDonald and Twaddle each enjoyed a triple on the 12-race card.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Friday when the 12-race program kicks off at 5:10 PM.

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

by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association