Washington, PA — Hollywood Casino at The Meadows hasn’t officially dubbed this week “Freshmen Fest,” but it well might have. By the time the four-day race week ends late Saturday afternoon, a total of 108 freshmen will have faced the starter in a combination of overnights, Pop-Up Series, Pennsylvania Sire Stakes and PA Stallion Series events.

Not only does this focus on 2-year-olds provide challenging handicapping for players and entertaining racing for fans, but it also reflects the confidence of local horsemen and horsewomen in the ongoing opportunities harness racing provides.

Friday’s card was indeed a showcase for 2-year-olds, bringing together 44 of them in a pair of Pop-Up Series opening legs spanning seven $10,000 splits. Here are the highlights:

Pop-Up Series, 2-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Pacers

Ronnie Wrenn Jr. and trainer Ron Burke enjoyed a Pop-Up double with Lou’s Albano and Lew Hauber while Fasting took the third split.

Fasting quashed all hope for the closers in the 1:55.3 mile. Chris Gooden photo.

A first-time starter, Fasting hustled to the point from post five and blazed the final quarter in :27.4, quashing all hope for the closers in the 1:55.3 mile. Jeremy Indof piloted the Stay Hungry-Rachel Welch gelding for trainer Mitch York, who owns with Erin York. Ridin The Waves finished second, beaten by three-quarters of a length, while Aiden Station completed the ticket.

Pop-Up Series, 2-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Trotters

The four divisions went to Bombay Tom, Vandy Lane, Got Lucky De Vie and Memory Vault, with Chris Lems collecting a Pop-Up double behind Bombay Tom and Vandy Lane.

It was the second career start for Bombay Tom, but he responded to Lems like a seasoned pro, moving first over from third to score in 2:02. Abraham Hanover was a neck back in second, with Cadeau third. Norm Parker trains the Bar Hopping-Miss Willa gelding for Bart Brice. Tood Brice, Charles Receski and Ed Receski.

Wrenn totaled five wins — including four for Burke — on the 13-race card while Lems fashioned a three-bagger, including a pair of victories for trainer Scott Cox.

Saturday’s program at The Meadows again shines the spotlight on freshmen with a pair of stakes for filly trotters: a $158,798 PA Sires Stake and an $80,000 PA Stallion Series event. On the wagering front, the card offers a pair of carryovers: $1,310.24 in the Early Pentafecta (race four), $317.69 in the Pick-5 (race nine). First post is 12:45 p.m.