by Evan Pattak for The Meadows
Washington, PA — She’s a 2011 bridesmaid no longer.
With a burst through the Lightning Lane, Lady Rainbow, who was nearing the all-time harness racing record for money earned in a season without a victory, ended all that trash talk Friday at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino by capturing the $233,400 Moni Maker for 3-year-old trotting fillies. Her victory provided an exciting inaugural for the Moni Maker at The Meadows following the stake’s relocation from the Red Mile.
Although she won four times at 2, Lady Rainbow couldn’t get over the hump this year while facing elite company, finishing second in the Hambletonian Oaks final, the Simcoe, the American National and the Hudson. She rolled up $405,476 in earnings without a win and appeared ready to surpass the all-time mark, $476,061, of Sand Vic.
But Lady Rainbow and trainer/driver Rick Zeron would have none of it in the Moni Maker. Although the daughter of Muscles Yankee-Sunshinenlollipops characteristically comes from well back, Zeron hustled her to the front from post 6, retook when passed and settled in behind Beatgoeson Hanover and David Miller when they moved to the lead past the quarter.
“I haven’t left with her all year because it’s a long year for her,” Zeron said. “She’s been coming from 10 lengths back at the half and not winning any. I was talking to my son Scott, and he said, ‘For goodness sake, when are you ever going to leave with her?’ I said, ‘Tonight. How would that be?’”
Lady Rainbow had little trouble blowing by in the lane, downing Beatgoeson Hanover by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:54.2, knocking 1.4 seconds from her lifetime mark. Firstclassprincess, who left alertly from post 8 for Brian Sears, rallied for show.
Zeron said he was happier with the win then he would have been with the unusual earnings-while-winless record.
“I wouldn’t have cared if it were a $4,000 purse. It’s just getting that win,” Zeron said. “I’m glad she got that monkey off her back.”
Rick Zeron Stables, Camel Club Stable, Rojan Stables and Herbert Chambers own Lady Rainbow, who Zeron indicated will be freshened before being pointed to the filly Kentucky Futurity and the International Stallion Stakes.
In the $22,500 Filly & Mare Not Listed Preferred/Preferred Handicap Pace, Tremor Hanover made it two straight with an in-hand, front-end victory over stablemates Mid-Western Jatelo and Jans Luck in 1:52.3. Brian Zendt drove for trainer Aaron Johnston and owners Charles Moses and Shawn Johnston.
A 5-year-old daughter of Allamerican Native-Terrie Letsgo, Tremor Hanover vaulted over $200,000 in career earnings.