by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows
Washington, PA — Hillbilly Hanover escaped a potentially fatal duel for the early lead, then poured through the Lightning Lane late to capture a division of Monday’s (September 26) $131,600 Keystone Classic at The Meadows. Dick McTracy took the other split in the event for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers.
Hillbilly Hanover poured through the Lightning Lane to win in 1:53.3.
Leaving from post seven, Hillbilly Hanover was parked three wide while vying for the front with Star Recruit and Friday At Five. But David Miller was able to ease the Dragon Again-Hattie gelding to the pylons behind the battling leaders. From there, he outfinished Star Recruit to down that rival by a neck in 1:53.3. Mattacardle rallied wide for show.
“My colt is a little lazy,” Miller said. “He was getting to the lead, then he kind of let up. Actually, the trip worked out.”
Steve Bryden conditioned Hillbilly Hanover, who vaulted over $100,000 in career earnings, for John Fielding, David McDuffee, Clay Horner and Adam Victor & Son.
Dick McTracy endured a similar opening panel but got a good seat when Mudslide pocketed him past the quarter. The McArdle-Barely Legal gelding roared past Mudslide in the lane for Eric Ledford and defeated him by a neck in a career-best 1:53.4, with Ufdragons Rocket third.
Chris Gooden photos
Dick McTracy held off Mudslide in a clocking of 1:53.4.
“Yeah, I was four deep going into the turn, but Mudslide was three deep, so he got hurt a little bit, too,” Ledford said. “I wanted to secure the two hole. He’s a real green colt who’s improved throughout the year. When I pulled at the top of the stretch, he actually lost a half-length before running the leader down. He’ll develop into a good 3-year-old.”
Joe Seekman trains Dick McTracy for Sawgrass Farms.
In the $22,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Trot, Caviar Forthe Lady moved to the front at the quarter pole and drew off to win for Charlie Norris in 1:54.3. Hawaiianphotograph raced well first over for second, two lengths back, while BV’s Sister completed the ticket.
Marty Wollam trains Caviar Forthe Lady, a 5-year-old daughter of SJ’s Caviar-Croupier Lady who now boasts $523,206 in lifetime earnings, for Acadia Farms.
Mike Wilder drove four winners and Dave Palone three on the 16-race card.
Tuesday’s program at The Meadows features two divisions of a $117,200 Keystone Classic for freshman filly pacers.