by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Washington, PA — Rock N McRoll zipped to the front, held off the late challenge of Trillions Hanover and scored in 1:53.2, fastest in Wednesday’s (Aug. 15) $80,000 Pennsylvania Stallion Series stake at The Meadows.

The event for freshman filly pacers was contested over four divisions, with Skater Chick, Unspoken Promise and May Bride Hanover also taking splits. Tony Hall fashioned a stakes double behind Skater Chick and May Bride Hanover.

Chris Gooden photo

Rock N McRoll zipped to the front, held off the late challenge of Trillions Hanover and scored in 1:53.2.

It was just the second career start for Rock N McRoll; she didn’t see the lead at all in her career debut. But she responded well when Dave Palone asked her for early speed, and she dug in late to hold off Trillions Hanover by a neck. Pretty N Fast completed the ticket.

“I think she’ll find her way into the sires stakes program,” Palone said. “She just was a little behind. I love the way some of the trainers set them up with a start or two until they get feeling good about themselves before they throw them to the wolves. This filly is not short on ability or attitude.”

Linda Toscano trains the daughter of A Rocknroll Dance-McGibson for Cherry Creek Stables, Camelot Stable, Little E and Enviro Stables. It was one of four wins for Palone on the 13-race card.

Hammered down to 1-9, Skater Chick extended her winning streak to three by moving three wide down the backside and prevailing under wraps in 1:53.3, matching her career best. Able Hanover was second, 2-1/2 lengths back, with Typhoon third.

“She has a lot of ability, but she’s still a little green,” Hall said of the daughter of Sweet Lou-Ram Rocker. “She was kind of in and out, so I figured it would be better just to get out rather than fight with going between horses. She was good.”

Mark Harder conditions Skater Chick for Donald Lindsey, Paul Kleinpaste and Garth Bechtel.

Unspoken Promise wasn’t quite sure what she was being asked to do, but ultimately, she straightened out and dashed through the Lightning Lane to overtake the pace-setter, Sweet Cherry, by a neck in 1:54.4. Dark Rhapsody earned show. Jim Pantaleano piloted the daughter of Somebeachsomewhere-Pucker Up for trainer Tom Fanning and owners Howard Taylor and Fanning Racing.

“She was a little snaky going down in through there,” Pantaleano said. “She’s had a little issue running in and getting on the right line; that’s why I took her inside. She needs a little more practice. She has some go. She has some skills for sure.”

Live racing at The Meadows resumes Saturday, when the program features The Meadow Cheer, a $180,862 PA Sires Stake for 2-year-old filly pacers. First post is 1:05 p.m.