by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Meadow Lands, PA — Trailing by five lengths at the top of the stretch, Pearly Princess charged through the “Lightning Lane” to transform a minor award to victory in the fastest and most dramatic division of a $60,000 Pennsylvania Stallion Series Stake on Monday (August 17) at The Meadows.

The event for 2-year-old trotting fillies was contested over three divisions, with Cantab Lady and Ideal Molly capturing the other splits.

Pearly Princess had hugged the pylons throughout the race and was staring at a seemingly insurmountable margin. But when Tactical Caviar slowed on the lead, Dave Palone and Pearly Princess took advantage of a suddenly open Lightning Lane to nip Tactical Caviar by a nose in 2:00, the maiden victory for the daughter of SJ’s Caviar-Rosemont Princess. Liz finished third.

“She’s a fast filly, and she can go to the lead or win from behind,” said trainer Joe Offutt. “She’s had some problems running in, but I think we fixed that. We’ve tried to keep her away from the fairs because she needs a bigger track.”

Christian Stolzfus bred Pearly Princess and bought her back at auction.

Cantab Lady, a Dunn Stable homebred, needed no such theatrics as she scored on the front end in 2:00.1, a neck better than Si Bon Hall, with MS Heather M third. It was the fourth victory in six career starts for the daughter of Cantab Hall-Penn Worthy Lane.

“She’s always had speed, but she’s getting stronger and finishing stronger,” said Brian Zendt, who drove for trainer Walter “Boots” Dunn. “She’s had three races in the last six days — I think that has something to do with her toughness. You’ll probably see her stay in the Stallion Series and at the fairs.”

Ideal Molly overcame an early break to draw off late, scoring her maiden victory by three lengths in 2:01.2 for Aaron Merriman. Tina Tim was second, with Megallenium rounding out the ticket.

Owner/trainer Charles Groce II picked up the daughter of Wonder Dancer-Ideal at auction as a $1,500 bargain.

“I went there to look at two Sierra Kosmos colts,” Groce said, “but I saw her and liked her. I’m familiar with Wonder Dancer as a stallion; I liked what he produced. I couldn’t believe no one was looking at her or bidding on her. She has a great want-to-do attitude.”

In the $27,500 Preferred Handicap Pace, Atochia made it four victories in the last five outings when he wore down Biletnikoff and prevailed by a head in 1:50.4. BT Attack was third. Dave Palone drove the 4-year-old gelded son of Dragon Again-Hot Shot Michelle for trainer Ron Burke and the partnership of Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, JJK Stables and M1 Stable. It was one of four wins on the 16-race card for Palone.