by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Washington, PA — Mandy’s Mattjesty zipped to the front and with late urging held on to take Monday’s (Feb. 8) opening split in a series for $20,000 claiming filly and mare pacers at The Meadows.

Americangirlfriend pulled off a 16-1 shocker in the other $15,000 division.

Although Mandy’s Mattjesty enjoyed a comfortable lead over the pocket-sitting My Caroline, Dave Palone felt her tiring in mid-stretch and kept her to her task. The 6-year-old daughter of His Mattjesty-Astra Destiny downed My Caroline by a half-length in 1:53.4, with Non Pareil third.

Ron Burke trains Mandy’s Mattjesty, who soared over $200,000 in career earnings, for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, Larry Karr and Phillip Collura.

The program also featured the opening leg of a series for $10,000 claiming filly and mare pacers, with Regil Meg and PC’s Vixen each capturing an $8,000 division.

In Monday’s $22,500 Filly & Mare Not Listed Preferred/Preferred Handicap Pace, Coffee Addict shot the Lightning Lane to nail Set Me Up and defeat her by a length in 1:53.1 for Jim Pantaleano, trainer Norm Parker and owners James Clarke Sr. and Andrew Altobelli. The first-over Medusa raced well for show.

It was the second straight victory for the 6-year-old daughter of Dragon Again-Kahlua Queen, who boosted her career bankroll to $463,779.

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