by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Washington, PA — Mandy’s Mattjesty opened a daylight lead, then held on late to notch her second straight victory in Monday’s (Feb. 15) second leg of the Winter Claiming Series for $20,000 claiming filly and mare pacers at The Meadows.

Doubelieveinmagic won the other $15,000 split, giving trainer Ron Burke a second leg sweep. The $25,000 (est.) series final is set for Monday (Feb. 22).

Mandy’s Mattjesty zipped to the front for Dave Palone and enjoyed a three length lead at the top of the lane. But the 6-year-old daughter of His Mattjesty-Astra Destiny was all out to hold off the late charge of Highland Rockstar, another Burke trainee, who fell a nose short. Destiny’s Desire earned show. The winning time was 1:53.4.

Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, Larry Karr and Phillip Collura campaign Mandy’s Mattjesty, who has been ahead at every pole in three consecutive starts.

The program also featured the second leg of the Winter Claiming Series for $10,000 claiming filly and mare pacers, with PC’s Vixen and Everymileamemory each taking an $8,000 division. The $15,000 (est.) series final will go next Monday.

Elsewhere on Monday’s card, Medusa shot the Lightning Lane to capture the $22,500 Filly & Mare Not Listed Preferred/Preferred Handicap Pace in 1:51.4 for Palone, trainer Randy Bendis and owners Bendis and Tom Pollack. Early leader Set Me Up was a head back in second, with Spreester a rallying third. The 5-year-old daughter of Bettor’s Delight-Mythical extended her career bankroll to $219,333.

Mike Wilder piloted four winners and Palone three on the 15-race card.