True Seelster headed towards second series title

WASHINGTON, PA, April 12, 2023 — Already a harness racing series champion this year, True Seelster took the first step to another title Wednesday at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows when she captured the $12,500 opening leg of the Ruby Cook Memorial for 3-year-old filly pacers.

The series honors the memory of Ruby Cook, longtime switchboard operator at The Meadows whose voice was a familiar, welcoming invitation to all who phoned the track.

On March 22, True Seelster won the final of the Donna Dunn Memorial, a series open to 3- and 4-year-old fillies. With no 4-year-olds to face in the Ruby Cook, True Seelster’s road to the title may have fewer obstacles.

That was evident Wendesday when she powered to the point for Brady Brown, turned back the first-over challenge of Play For Me and scored easily in 1:55. The pocket-sitting Southwind Bourbon was second in her seasonal debut, 1-1/2 lengths back, while Play For Me gamely held show.

Mark Goldberg trains the daughter of All Bets Off-Tanis Seelster for George Kehm and Jerry Kehm.

TRUE SEELSTER REPLAY

Aaron Merriman collected four wins on the 12-race card and, in an unusual feat for a trainer, Brandon Presto swept four consecutive contests, races 2-5.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Thursday when the program features a pair of carryovers: $1,510.76 in the Early Pentafecta (race 4), $1,024.64 in the Pick 5 (race 8). First post is 12:45 PM.

For complete race results, click here.

by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association