Washington, PA — Paper Heart again enjoyed escort service from GD Cool Otoole and again kicked by her in the lane to capture the $16,800 final of the Donna Dunn Memorial Pace for 3-and 4-year-old fillies and mares Wednesday (March 20) at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

In last week’s preliminary leg, Paper Heart stalked GD Cool Otoole from the pocket and blew by late to score in a swift 1:53.3. On Wednesday, the fractions were slower but the results the same as Paper Heart drew off for Dave Palone to triumph in 1:55.2. Keen Cathy was a ground-saving second, three-lengths back, with 19-1 long shot Gamine third.

Paper Heart winning the Donna Dunn Memorial Pace final Wednesday at The Meadows for Jason Shaw and Dave Palone. Chris Gooden photo.

Jason Shaw trains Paper Heart, a 3-year-old daughter of Heston Blue Chip-Paper Cut who has won five of her last six starts, and owns with Fortunate One LLC and Cory Kreiser.

Wednesday’s card also featured the $19,200 Filly & Mare Open Handicap Pace, which saw Alexa Skye and Always Gonna B You duel for the early lead. After Alexa Skye won that skirmish, she sprinted away from the field late to down Always Gonna B You by 6-1/2 lengths in a sharp 1:51.1. Fighting Evil completed the ticket.

Palone piloted the 7-year-old daughter of Somebeachsomewhere-Pirouette Hanover, who soared over $500,000 in career earnings, for trainer Virgil Morgan, Jr. and owners Let It Ride Stables Inc. and Odds On Racing.

Palone finished the 13-race program with four victories.