by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Washington, PA — Monday’s (April 18) second leg of the Rembrandt Spur Trot at The Meadows paired the undefeated Washingtonian with the once-beaten Better Caviar. But what appeared to be a showdown turned into a “beat-down” when Better Caviar blew by Washingtonian with an uncovered bid and went on to score in 1:55.3, fastest time this year for a 3-year-old colt trotter on a five-eighths-mile track.

Ridgeandfamous captured the other $15,000 division in the series for 3-year-old colts and geldings. The Rembrandt Spur final is set for next Monday (April 25).

Dick Stillings had guided Washingtonian to three consecutive victories, and the duo took Monday’s field through the half in a comfortable :58.1. But when Dan Rawlings unleashed Better Caviar from fourth down the backside, the SJ’s Caviar-Better Credit colt collared Washingtonian in the stretch and triumphed by 2-3/4 lengths over Fashion Hatter, with Walltocousins third. Washingtonian settled for fourth.

David Wade trains Better Caviar and owns with Gerald Brittingham, Kelley Rogers and William F. Peel III.

Ridgeandfamous was passed before the three-quarters but showed heart in rallying in the lane for Greg Grismore to break his maiden in 1:58.4. Cedarridgetag was second, a half-length back, with Highway well back in third.

Rick Beinhauer trains Ridgeandfamous, a son of Tom Ridge-Sierra Belle, and owns with Regina Beinhauer.

In the $22,500 Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Pace, Red Star Catch converted an extended uncovered bid to victory in a sharp 1:51.4 for Eric Ledford and owner/trainer Clay Faurot, Jr. Here We Go Again saw his six-race winning streak snapped when he finished second by three-quarters of a length while Marty’s Charm was third. It was the 21st win in 41 starts in 2010-2011 for Red Star Catch, a 6-year-old Art Major-Catch A Wave gelding.

Dave Palone drove five winners on the 15-race card.