Washington, PA — Muse La Rouge won a three-ply battle for the early lead, then hung tough late to capture her second straight in Wednesday’s (April 17) $12,500 second leg of the Ruby Cook Memorial Pace for 3-year-old fillies at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Always Sassy and Sonadora refused to concede the front to the 1-5 favorite, who eschewed a seat and persevered to the point for Dave Palone. The daughter of Captaintreacherous-Modern Muse held off a quartet of late challengers to triumph in a career-best 1:53.3, three-quarter lengths better than the rallying Birdie Said. Sonadora finished third.

Muse La Rouge winning leg two of Wednesday’s Ruby Cook Memorial at The Meadows for Dave Palone. Chris Gooden photo.

Michael Hitchcock trains Muse La Rouge for William Hartt.

Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. and Palone each collected three wins on the 13-race card.

Thursday’s program at The Meadows features the $12,500 second leg of the Margaret Provost Memorial Trot for 3-year-old fillies. On the wagering front, the card offers a $476.75 carryover in the Lucky7 (post 3). First post is 12:45 p.m.