by Evan Pattak for The Meadows

Meadow Lands, PA – The Meadows held six divisions of the Albatross, a Pennsylvania Sire Stake for two-year-old colt and gelding pacers, Monday night.

Pacific Hoss was used twice, but still managed to get the victory in the first division, in 1:56. Driver Ed Lohmeyer left with the homebred and got parked to the first quarter in 28. Dave Palone brought Take Five right back on the outside and retook the lead before the half (56.4).

Tony Hall brought Lost In The West first-over and challenged Take Five down the backside. Lost In The West stuck his nose in front, but could not clear Take Five and Lohmeyer decided to bring Pacific Hoss to the outside and tipped three-wide in the stretch.

A slow final quarter enabled Pacific Hoss to pick up the pieces and get the victory, in 1:56. Take Five fought back gamely at the rail to finish second. Filippo Hanover used a strong final quarter to finish third for Ray Paver.

The second division was won impressively by Art Star and driver Yannick Gingras, in 1:55.4. Art Star got away mid-pack for Gingras in a field of eight pacers, but used a power-move just passed the half-mile marker and cleared the early leader Flexible Flyer by the three-quarter pole marker (1:27.2). Flexible Flyer and driver Dave Palone looked to have some left in the tank, but Art Star had tons left and drew off in the lane to win, in 1:55.4, pacing his final quarter in 28.2.

Flexible Flyer did hold on for the place spot. Jate’s Boy came flying late for Brad Hanners to finished third.

Art Star, a $4,500 yearling purchase, made $10,962 in his initial start Monday night for owner/trainer John Marshall. “I never thought he’d be this good, but I’m very happy,” mentioned Marshall.

Gingras found the winner’s circle again, in the third division with Hot Rod Mindale. The $52,000 yearling purchase came from off the pace and sustained a first-over move to win, in 1:56.

“He trained pretty decent all year. Jimmy (Arledge Jr) is a great trainer and he does an excellent job. We bought him together and we went partners,” said part owner Joe Sbrocco. “I drove all the way from Cleveland because I had hopes he was going to win.”

Sbrocco’s high hopes turned into a reality as Hot Rod Mindale won in a grind-it-out effort, with Gingras in the bike. Rock N Bliss and Dan Dube raced well in his first career start and closed to finish second. Rembrandt Van Ryn and driver Mike Wilder led for most of the mile, but faded in the lane to finish third.

Rusty’s For Real, driven by Brad Hanners, won the fastest division, in 1:54.3. After two solid qualifiers Rusty’s For Real was dominant again in his first career start for the Carter Racing Stable Llc.

“We knew we had something special right away,” said owner Al Carter. “Hopefully we can keep “Rusty” for real.”

Rusty’s For Real set quarter fractions of 28.3, 58.1 and 1:26.3 before pacing home in 28 to stop the timer at 1:54.3.

“He wasn’t pressed that hard, so hopefully we can keep him sound and keep him going,” mentioned Carter.

Charley Barley closed for Palone and finished second. Devils Reject and driver Doug Snyder settled for third.

Rusty’s For Real is trained by Robert Myers Sr. Myers’ son, Robert Jr passed away six weeks ago from pancreas problems, but Robert Jr had a lot to do with Rusty’s For Real’s success, as he help his father break this two-year-old.

Gingras won yet another stake with The Double Dion in the fifth division. Gingras put this two-year-old on the front and tapped the brakes in the second quarter (31.1), which set-up a strong final quarter of 27.3 to secure the victory, in 1:55.2.

Lessman and Donald Dancer finished second as Bret’s New Journey and Don Rothfuss closed to finish third.

“The favorite ran in the first turn, so I had no where else to go, but to the lead. He was perfect for me, great manners, nicely gaited, he couldn’t be better,” said Gingras.

The final division was won by Pardon You and driver Don Rothfuss. Owned by Tom Mucci, David Kowcheck, Hopkins Blue Jay Stable and George Alexas, Pardon You won in 1:55.1.

“I purchased him (Pardon You) for $25,000 on April 1^st from a good friend. We brought him along slow and we thought he was 100% going into tonight and it paid off for us,” said trainer Brad Buxton.

Stacy’s Character finished second for driver Dave Palone and Nathanials Artist finished third for Roger Hammer.