Washington, PA – Here is this week’s Meadows Monday Memo:
MERRIMAN TO RETURN THURSDAY
Driver Aaron Merriman, who has been sidelined since a spring racing accident in Ohio, is listed to drive several horses this Thursday (Aug. 6) at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Despite missing several months, Merriman still ranks fourth in wins locally with 106 and is third in driver rating at .320, behind only Dave Palone (.420 driver rating) and Ronnie Wrenn (.408). Palone leads in wins with 227, ahead of Wrenn (218) and Justin Irvine (119).
SCHEDULE CHANGE THIS WEEK
The Meadows will have a shortened schedule this week, with racing Wednesday and Thursday at 12:45pm, and Friday evening at 5:10. There will be no live racing on Saturday this week. The regular 4-card-per-week schedule will resume next week.
BURKE, PRESTO CONTINUE TO LEAD TRAINERS
Ron Burke and Brandon Presto continue to lead all Meadows trainers in wins, with 146 and 128, respectively. Dirk Simpson is third with 77, followed by Justin Pirillo (73) and Tim Twaddle (42). Presto leads the way in trainer percentage with .443. Among trainers with fewer starts, Vernon Beachy has 21 wins in just 50 starts, with a trainer rating of .620.
STAKE TROTTERS RETURN AUGUST 15
Pennsylvania Sire Stake and PA Stallion Series trotters will return to The Meadows on Saturday, August 15. Both the sophomore colts and fillies will be in action, trying to earn points toward the end-of-the-year finals. Post time on August 15 will be 12:45pm.