Washington, PA — Collusion Illusion needed two tries to get by Sharp Looker, but get by she did en route to a maiden-breaking victory in Wednesday’s (March 9) Donna Dunn Memorial Pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Somemiki Hanover took the other $10,000 division in the opening leg of the event for 3-and 4-year-old fillies and mares.

The event honors the memory of Donna Dunn, longtime Standardbred owner at The Meadows and wife of the late prominent breeder/owner/trainer/driver Walter “Boots” Dunn.

Somemiki Hanover wins a series opener for trainer Dan Altmeyer and was driven by Hunter Myers. Chris Gooden photo. 

Collusion Illusion initially challenged Sharp Looker first over, but when she couldn’t clear, Dan Charlino tucked her back to the cones for a quick breather. That may have been the difference, as the 3-year-old daughter of Sweet Lou-Spoiled Beach roared through the sloppy stretch to defeat Sharp Looker by two lengths in 1:55.4. Irish Daydream finished third.

Ron Burke trains Collusion Illusion for Burke Racing Stable, J&T Silva-Purnel & Libby, Knox Services and Phillip Collura.

Somemiki Hanover moved three-wide through the final turn and drew off by 2-1/2 lengths to score in a career-best 1:56.1, with Jillian B Miki and Racing Life rounding out the ticket. Hunter Myers drove the 3-year-old daughter of Always B Miki-Someheartsomewhere for trainer Dan Altmeyer and owners Diamond Club Racing, Richard Kelson, David Wills and Roger Huston.

Myers collected four wins on the 11-race card, giving him eight over the last two programs.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Thursday (March 10) when the 11-race card features a $19,867.28 carryover in the Jackpot Pick-5 (race 4) as well as a $730.24 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5. First post is 12:45 p.m.