Washington, PA — Gingerzzz enjoyed a leisurely 1:01 front half, but had to dig deep to preserve her victory in Thursday’s (April 21) Margaret Provost Memorial Trot at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Shayna Rosa took the other $12,500 division in the series for 3-year-old fillies, giving Aaron Merriman a second-leg sweep.

Gingerzzz held off a “hail Mary” stretch challenge from Missalette in their Margaret Provost Memorial split. Chris Gooden photo.

Ignoring the slow fractions, Missalette challenged Gingerzzz first-over, making up ground steadily on the “good” surface. Gingerzzz had just enough in reserve to hold on, downing Missalette by a head in 2:00.1. Sister Swell completed the ticket.

Nathan Bresnahan trains Gingerzzz, a daughter of Bar Hopping and Scarlett’s Legacy, for Tylor Williams.

The track had been downgraded to sloppy for the second split, yet the results were remarkably similar. Shayna Rosa grabbed the lead first-over and gamely held on to edge Fit Fanatic by a nose in 1:59.1, with V Four Victorious third.

Bill Daugherty Jr. conditions the daughter of Cantab Hall and Celebrity Sweedie, the Pennsylvania Fairs champion of 2021, for lessee Susan Daugherty.

The $17,500-added series final is set for next Friday (April 29).

Mike Wilder and Merriman each collected three wins on the 11-race card.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Friday (April 22), when the 11-race program features a $5,659.82 carryover in the Jackpot Pick-5 (races 4-8). First post is 12:45 p.m.