by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Washington, PA — First-time starter Cashmere N Caviar handled the experience of night racing like a seasoned pro on Wednesday (Sept. 22) at The Meadows as she effortlessly erased a 6-1/2 length deficit to capture a Keystone Classic division.

The $107,002 event for freshman filly trotters was contested over three divisions, with Tango Dancer and Bold And Fresh taking the other splits. Dave Palone enjoyed a stakes driving double with Cashmere N Caviar and Tango Dancer.

Hammered down to 4-5 on the strength of a single qualifier, Cashmere N Caviar settled in willingly before Palone moved her uncovered down the backside. She grabbed the lead before the stretch and drew off to triumph in 1:58, 5-1/4 lengths better than Lady Taggetha. My Good Side was an even third.

Mike Palone trains the daughter of SJ’s Caviar-Ladyinfocus for Marcello Ducci.

Tango Dancer also crafted a facile victory — her second straight win — getting away a comfortable third before powering to the lead down the backside. She scored in a career-best 1:57.1, three lengths ahead of Cantabulous, while Red Rum Lass finished a distant third. Jim Campbell trains the daughter of Broadway Hall-Giant Step for Fashion Farms.

Bold And Fresh, a daughter of SJ’s Caviar-Odre Coucou who was winless in three lifetime starts entering the Keystone Classic, worked out a pocket trip before shooting the Lightning Lane to prevail in 1:57.2 for driver Charlie Norris, trainer Doug Miller and owner Donald Bartling. Devilish Emerald was second, three-quarters of a length in arrears, with Decolletage third.

Palone drove five winners and Brian Zendt three on the 15-race card.