by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Washington, PA — Bella’s Punkett released the 1-2 favorite, Expose Yourself, past the quarter, then charged past her in the lane to capture Wednesday’s (July 25) feature at The Meadows, a $13,000 conditioned/optional claiming trot for fillies and mares.

Chris Gooden photo

Bella’s Punkett shows she is a force to be reckoned with on Wednesday at The Meadows.

Bella’s Punkett was claimed from her last race at Harrah’s Philadelphia by trainer Ron Burke for owner Howard Taylor for a base price of $12,500.

Though she faced several disadvantages — new track, sloppy surface, big jump in class to a $30,000 base claiming tag — the 6-year-old daughter of Super Punk-Nubella responded beautifully.

She left alertly for Dan Rawlings, rated kindly and downed Expose Yourself by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:54.3, with the first-over Keystone Harper third.

Bella’s Punkett lifted her career bankroll to $109,244.

Tony Hall and Jim Pantaleano each piloted three winners on the 13-race card.

Live racing at The Meadows resumes Friday, with an Adios Eve card that features a pair of Grand Circuit stakes: the $60,800 Judge Joe McGraw for 2-year-old filly trotters and the $40,400 Ed Ryan for freshman colt and gelding trotters.

Special post time is 5:30 p.m.