by Evan Pattak for The Meadows

Washington, PA — Royal Heart gobbled up the leader with a first-over burst and rolled on to victory in Wednesday’s (April 29) $20,000 Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.

Royal Heart was third down the backside when Eric Goodell tipped him off the cones. He swept by the leader, Atta Boy Dan, in a heartbeat and scored easily in a career-best 1:51.1. Atta Boy Dan regained his momentum and finished second but was placed sixth for both interference and pylon violations. Mattamerican and Dew N Doughnuts were promoted to second and third, respectively.

Paul Kennedy trains Royal Heart, a 4-year-old Royal Art-BJ’s Sunrise gelding who won for the sixth time in 13 starts this year, for Denise Dennis and Dolne Farm Services.

Dave Palone piloted four winners on the 13-race card.

The Pennsylvania Sires Stakes season kicks off Friday at The Meadows with a $60,000 PA Stallion Series event for 3-year-old filly pacers. First post is 12:55 p.m.