Washington, PA — Waiting patiently behind the leaders as they engaged in a suicidal dual, The Meadows newcomer Carolina Beach blazed through the Lightning Lane to score in 1:49.1 — matching the track record — in Saturday’s (June 22) $20,000 Open Handicap Pace.

Newcomer Carolina Beach equaled the track-record at The Meadows on Saturday with a 1:49.1 performance. Chris Gooden Photo.

When Southwind Amazon engaged the leader, Windsong Leo, the pair battled throughout a blistering :26 third quarter. Carolina Beach, meanwhile, sat third, waiting for Aaron Merriman to release him. The 5-year-old Somebeachsomewhere-Laughandbehappy gelding easily overtook the weary leaders, downing Windsong Leo by 2-3/4 lengths, with Southwind Amazon third.

The time equaled the track mark for older gelding pacers held jointly by Atta Boy Dan, Escape The News and Reggiano.

The victory capped a dream week for Merriman, owner Renee Bercury and trainer Bill Bercury, who teamed to win three featured races including Monday’s with Barn Girl and Tuesday’s with Touchamatic.

Live racing at The Meadows resumes Monday, first post 1:05 PM.