Washington, PA — Flashing newfound early speed, Flite Craft powered to the point at the quarter pole and drew off late to take Saturday’s (April 15) $12,500 opening leg of the Tom Kirwan Memorial at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. The event for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers honors the memory of Tom Kirwan, who began his career as a trainer-driver at The Meadows and later served in backside supervisory positions.

Flite Craft hadn’t been on top at any call in his most recent five starts, but, using Lasix for the second time Saturday, he was more eager to go. Mike Wilder confidently moved him to the front, and it was no contest from there, as the A Rocknroll Dance-Kitty Kitty Hawk gelding scored in a sharp 1:51, a career best. The pocket-sitting Slipmeamiki was second, 3-3/4 lengths back, with Be The Captain third.

Flite Craft paced to a new lifetime mark in the first round of the Tom Kirwan Memorial, held Saturday at The Meadows. Chris Gooden photo.

Norm Parker trains Flite Craft for Tenpin Stable, Albert Parker, Ryan Parker and Tom Klosky Jr.

In Saturday’s $19,300 Open Handicap Pace, A Fair Ol Dance N made it two straight, converting a pocket trip to a 1:50.3 victory for Ronnie Wrenn Jr., trainer Ron Burke, and owners Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Kitefield Stable. The 8-year-old A Rocknroll Dance-Presidential Affair gelding has won nine of his last 18 starts and banked $252,910 lifetime. Wild Wild Western and Sandbetweenmytoes rounded out the ticket.

Wrenn collected five wins on the 12-race card, including three for Burke, while Wilder enjoyed a triple.

Live racing at The Meadows resumes Wednesday (April 19); first post is 12:45 p.m.