by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Washington, PA — The only mare in the field, Barn Girl, stalked TSM Photo Bugger from the pocket, then blew by in the lane to capture Wednesday’s (Feb. 15) $18,000 Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows.

Chris Gooden photo

Barn Girl defeated the boys in the Preferred Handicap Trot.

Aaron Merriman kept Barn Girl under wraps until the top of the stretch, when she brushed past the tiring leader and scored in 1:54.3. Valley Of Sin followed cover well for second, a neck back, while Trustworthy Kid, the 1-2 favorite, rallied for show.

Bill Bercury trains Barn Girl, a 5-year-old daughter of Cash Hall-Turquoise Sweetie who extended her career bankroll to $394,196, for Renee Bercury.

It was one of three wins for Merriman on the 13-race card.