Papi Grad defeated by Rose in track record mile

WASHINGTON, PA, Aug. 23, 2024  — Rose (Sweet Lou-Rosemary Rose) blistered the mile in 1:50.2, fastest ever by a freshman filly pacer at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, in Friday’s $178,632 Pennsylvania Sires Stake known as the Meadow Cheer. Blessed Hanover captured the other harness racing division, giving trainer Ron Burke a Meadow Cheer sweep.

Papi Grad was out to extend her career unbeaten streak to six and sweep all four PASS preliminary legs, but Rose and Yannick Gingras had other ideas. When Papi Grad ducked from post 7 and got away seventh, Rose had the field right where she wanted it. She quarter-poled to the point for Gingras, and though Papi Grad made a valiant first-over bid, the filly defeated her comfortably by 4-1/4 lengths, with Beckoning Yankee third.

The time knocked a tick from both the track and stake records established last year by Lyons Legend.

“When Papi Grad took back, it made my job easier,” Gingras said. But I’m telling you, don’t discount Rose. That’s the first time I’ve had her on the front, and she raced really good. But she’s just as good following a helmet, and she can sprint like no other. I wouldn’t trade her for anyone.”

ROSE REPLAY

Rose, who surpassed $100,000 in earnings, races for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, Jack Piatt III and Larry Karr.

Blessed Hanover was third inside as the field turned for home — exactly where winning driver Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. wanted to be.

“I was happy to be following the two horses I was behind,” Wrenn said. “I wasn’t going to move earlier, except maybe in the last turn, but there was no room. I was content sitting third and shaking loose late. If you keep her covered up until late, she has a good kick home.”

Blessed Hanover poured through the Lightning Lane and won her third straight in a career-best 1:51.2, a head better than Beach Rules. Royally Hot completed the ticket.

BLESSED HANOVER REPLAY

Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Bill Donovan campaign the filly, who also soared over $100,000 in earnings.

The $252,000 (est) PASS championship for freshman filly pacers is set for Sept. 5 at The Meadows.

$80,000 PA Stallion Series 2-Year-Old Filly Pace

Stevie Hanover (Betting Line-She’s A Fan) had a stake record on her mind as well — and she got it, triumphing in 1:51.2 to lower the previous mark of 1:51.3 Odds On Whitney set in 2020. Brett Miller piloted the filly to her third consecutive win for trainer Jamie Sullivan and owner Frank Chick. Allegra Hanover, the 3-5 favorite, was 3/4 lengths back in second with Lyons Anitasangel third.

Sullivan initially tried Stevie Hanover in sires stakes but thought the stallion series would be more to her liking.

“We wanted to build her confidence up,” Sullivan said. “We’re doing it race by race, trying to keep her sound and see what happens. We staked her up to everything, including the Breeders Crown; it’s just touch and go.”

STEVIE HANOVER REPLAY

Pilar Hanover, Beyonsay Yankee and Odds On Aces Full took the stake’s other splits, with Tim Tetrick (Pilar Hanover, Beyonsay Yankee) enjoying a double.

The Meadows is dark Saturday for a Corks & Kegs event that will occupy part of the racetrack. Live racing resumes Wednesday, first post 12:45 PM.

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

by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association