by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows
Washington, PA — Freshened by a month off, Looking For Zelda grabbed the early lead from post four for Tony Hall and rolled home in a stakes record 1:54.1 in Tuesday’s (June 5) $73,835 Currier & Ives for 3-year-old trotting fillies at The Meadows.
The stake was conducted over three divisions, with Mike Wilder and trainer John Butenschoen teaming to take the other splits with Nixie Volo and Bill’s Lady.
Looking For Zelda hadn’t raced since finishing third in a May 4 Ohio Sires Stakes at Miami Valley. Trainer Norm Parker said the vacation just happened to work out that way — and work for the best — for the daughter of Break The Bank K-My Winning Way K.
“Any time a filly has to ship down to near Cincinnati to race twice, it’s a little bit stressful for her,” Parker said. “The break was a good thing. She came back really good.”
In the Currier & Ives, she thwarted the first-over bid of Msnaughtyashill and held off the Lightning Lane charge of Kenziesky Hanover by half a length. Msnaughtyashill saved show. The time knocked a tick from the previous stake mark established by Smokinmombo in 2015.
Parker said Bob Key’s homebred, who lifted her career bankroll to $271,902, would next race Monday in an Ohio Sires Stakes at Northfield Park.
Nixie Volo entered the Currier & Ives off a powerful 1:54.3 triumph in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes at Pocono and bettors took note, hammering her down to 1-9. The daughter of Yankee Glide-No I’m Not did not disappoint, seizing the lead from post six and coasting to victory in 1:56. Donato’s Jewel rallied for place, 2-1/4 lengths back, while Lady Palema completed the ticket.
“I talked to John (Butenschoen) about her today, and he really couldn’t tell me anything I wouldn’t like about her,” Wilder said. “I tried to keep her out of harm’s way and she did the rest. I think she has a pretty bright future.”
Nixie Volo now has earned $127,486 for Kentuckiana Racing Stable, VIP Internet Stable and 83 Racing.
Bill’s Lady made it look just as easy, moving to the point past the quarter and opening a four-length lead at the half. The daughter of Donato Hanover-Homefortheholidays cruised home in 1:56.3, 1-1/2 lengths better than the rallying Andovermizbrenda, with D’Bomb third.
“I drove her once last year and got her beat on the lead,” Wilder said. “It was late in the season (in the Keystone Classic), so she might have been getting a little tired, but she sure seems good this year. She matured quite a bit.”
William Wiswell and M&L Of Delaware campaign Bill’s Lady, who vaulted over $100,000 in lifetime earnings.
Wilder finished the 13-race card with four wins while Dave Palone and Hall each fashioned a triple.
Wednesday’s (June 6) card at The Meadows features the $110,260 open division of the Currier & Ives, which is carded as races one and three. First post is 1:05 p.m.
Related Articles:
- Looking For Zelda and Msnaughtyashill look to step up in Currier & Ives fillies at The Meadows (Monday, June 04, 2018)
Looking For Zelda and Msnaughtyashill, a pair of fillies who already have made an impact in the 3-year-old trotting division, will try to step it up a notch when they clash in Tuesday’s (June 5) $73,835 Currier & Ives at The Meadows. The three Currier & Ives splits go as races one, three and four, with Looking For Zelda and Msnaughtyashill squaring off in race three. USTA/Mark Hall photo.