Washington, PA – American Fling launched a decisive backside burst that vaulted him to the lead and on to victory in Saturday’s (Aug. 10) $19,200 Open Handicap Pace at The Meadows.
American Fling grabbed the early lead for Mike Wilder but, thanks to a flurry of first-quarter movement, found himself shuffled to third. That was the signal for Wilder to attack. The 4-year-old American Ideal-Feeling You gelding overpowered HP Momentum on the point and rolled home in 1:50.1. Bonniprinclouis N finished second, a length back, with Dragon City third.
Elsewhere on Saturday’s card, Distant Drums rebounded from a sickness scratch to capture his seventh straight race in a career-best 1:53.2. The 5-year-old Trixton-Altar Gal gelding took an $11,900 Conditioned Trot for Wilder, trainer Sarah Andrews and owner Matthew Miller.
Wilder collected five wins on the 13-race card while Hunter Myers and trainer Brandon Presto each fashioned a triple.
Live racing at The Meadows resumes Wednesday (Aug. 14) when the program features a $ $458.10 carryover in the Early Pentafecta (race four). First post is 12:45 p.m.