by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Washington, PA — Let go at a juicy 25-1, Stirling Euphoria moved powerfully first over to score the upset in Monday’s (April 4) opening leg of the Do Me Honor Pace at The Meadows. Lenore Karidian took the other $17,500 opening leg division in the event for 3-year-old fillies.

The series is named for Do Me Honor, a fast-class pacer who has banked more than $682,000 and is currently racing for owner/trainer Bill Bercury.

Chris Gooden photo

Stirling Euphoria scored the upset in Monday’s opening leg of the Do Me Honor Pace at The Meadows.

A lightly raced filly making only her fifth career start, Stirling Euphoria responded like a seasoned veteran when Dave Palone sent her first over — in the slop — after the leader, Wasaga Beach. She spurted clear and scored in a career-best 1:56, surviving an inquiry for a possible pylon violation. Terror Grin rallied for second, 1-1/4 lengths back, with Hooves On First third.

Ben Davis trains the daughter of Western Ideal-Chattanooga for Brent Hopper, S&S Racing Stable and Kenneth York.

In the $22,500 Filly & Mare Not Listed Preferred/Preferred Handicap Pace, Spreester moved second over to victory for driver Aaron Merriman, trainer Bercury and owner Renee Bercury. The 5-year-old daughter of American Ideal-Rodeo Spree, who now boasts $431,271 in career earnings, triumphed in 1:53.3, a half-length better than Show Runner. Set Me Up was third. The day’s honoree, Do Me Honor, competed in the event and finished fifth.

Jim Pantaleano piloted six winners — including a pair for his wife, trainer Christen Pantaleano — while Palone fashioned a triple on the 15-race card.