Washington, PA — Hammered down to 1-9, Blue Ivy looked very much the heavy favorite, scorching the back half in :55.1 to capture Thursday’s (Aug. 18) $17,600 Fillies and Mares Open Pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Once Blue Ivy controlled the front half in a comfortable :56.2, there was very little movement in the field of five. In the stretch, Aaron Merriman lightly reminded Blue Ivy that she still had work to do, and the 6-year-old daughter of Captaintreacherous-All Blue responded by scoring in 1:51.3, a half length better than the pocket-sitting Ourlittlemiracle. Lady Newton, the winner’s stablemate, was third.

Blue Ivy responded to the challenge of pocket rival Ourlittlemiracle to capture Thursday’s featured distaff pace at The Meadows. Chris Gooden photo.

Bill Bercury trains Blue Ivy, who now boasts a career bankroll of $630,985, for Renee Bercury.

Trainer Ron Burke fashioned a triple on the 11-race card.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Friday (Aug. 19), when the program features a pair of stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings: a $160,618 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes and a $60,000 Pennsylvania Stallion Series event. On the wagering front, the card offers a $1,806.71 carryover in the Jackpot Pick-5 (races 4-8). First post is 5:10 p.m.