by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Washington, PA — Idol, a 4-year-old Sharky Spur-Beam Of Joy mare, rocketed to victory in a conditioned pace on Wednesday (August 18) in 1:50, equaling the fastest mile ever by a filly or mare at The Meadows.

Brett Miller sent Idol toward the front from post nine for early position but had her out and moving again at the quarter pole. Once on the point, Idol sped through fractions of :26.3, :54.2 and 1:21.2 before the electrifying final numbers flashed on the timer. Tomorrowpan was 8-1/4 lengths back in second, with Soloso third.

The mile matched the performance of Go On BB, who took her 1:50 mark as a 4-year-old in 2008. Jim Pollock, Jr. trains Idol, who triumphed for the 10th time in 30 career starts, for Stephen Richard.

As exciting as Idol was, she had to share the Wednesday spotlight with Master Begonia, who fired through the Lightning Lane to capture the $22,500 Preferred Handicap Trot in 1:53.2, a track record for older geldings.

Dave Palone hustled Master Begonia to the lead, where he extended the 6-5 favorite Rembrandt Spur before settling into the pocket. When Rembrandt Spur weakened after blazing the opening three-quarters in a demanding 1:24.4, Master Begonia pounced late, defeating Sir Caviar by a length. Springboard was a closing third.

The mile bettered the previous track record of 1:53.4 that Master Begonia shared with Lolique and Prism K. Ron Burke trains Master Begonia, a 7-year-old son of Master Lavec-Shimma Begonia, for Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi LLC.

Greg Grismore drove four winners and Palone three on the 14-race card.