Soft Shot schools her elders

WASHINGTON, PA, Sep. 4, 2024  — A 3-year-old facing a field of her elders, Soft Shot (Heston Blue Chip) won the skirmish for the early lead and did not flinch late, pulling off the 8-1 harness racing upset in Wednesday’s $21,200 Filly & Mare Open Handicap Pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

The track’s top distaff pace was rendered wide open by the early woes of the 1-5 favorite, track record-holder Alexa Skye, who grew rough gaited, retreated and could not get back into the race.

The pocket-sitting Kele Kele had the best shot at Soft Shot but could not cut into the margin. The daughter of Heston Blue Chip-Aims Whisper defeated Kele Kele by 1-1/2 lengths in a career-best 1:51 for Chris Shaw, with Lydeo third.

Jessica Roegner trains Soft Shot, who boosted her lifetime bankroll north of $100,000, for Paul O’Neil.

Three driver/trainer combos each fashioned a double on the 13-race card: Jeremy Indof and Nick Kozar; Anthony MacDonald and Tim Twaddle; Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. and Ron Burke.

SOFT SHOT REPLAY

Thursday’s card at The Meadows promises excitement and entertainment aplenty, as it features four Pennsylvania Sires Stake championships, with more than $1.26 million in purses up for grabs. First post is 12:45 PM.

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

by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association