by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Washington, PA — Despite stepping up in class, South Pacific had little trouble disposing of her Pennsylvania Sires Stake rivals on Tuesday (August 21) at The Meadows, scoring in a stakes-fastest 1:52.3.

The $318,163 event for 2-year-old filly pacers, known as the Meadow Cheer, was conducted over three divisions, with Champagne Tonight and Novascotia Hanover taking the other splits.

South Pacific won her only previous start, a PA Stallion Series stake, but the $170,000 yearling acquisition was facing a field that looked considerably tougher. But the daughter of Somebeachsomewhere-Best Laid Plans went right to the front from post four for John Campbell and scored a three-quarter length victory over Handsoffmycupcake. Offintothesunset was third. Tom Cancelliere trains South Pacific for John Cancelliere.

The 3-10 favorite Champagne Tonight bubbled to the lead with a quarter-pole move for Tony Hall and held off the late charge of UF Dragon’s Queen to defeat that rival by a neck in 1:53.3. Southwind Siren earned show.

Clair Umholtz trains the daughter of Western Terror-Lake Shore Drive, who has been beaten only once in her six-race career, for Umholtz Racing Stable, Ngaire Umholtz and Kennedy Sports Corp.

Novascotia Hanover, a four-race maiden dismissed at a juicy 20-1, saved ground for Dick Stillings, then brushed late to prevail in 1:54.3. Somstreetsomwhere was second, three-quarters of a length behind, while Antigua Hanover completed the ticket.

Randy Bendis conditions the daughter of Somebeachsomewhere-Northern Sky and owns with Susan Castelli and Reed Broadway.

In the $22,500 Preferred Handicap Trot, Sir Caviar made it three straight by thwarting the late threat of Hava Kadabra by a length and winning for Hall in 1:54.1. Rembrandt Spur was third. Leslie Zendt trains the 6-year-old SJ’s Caviar-Sierra Flower K gelding, who now sports a gaudy career win percentage of 48.6, and owns with Bill Zendt.

Stillings and Mike Wilder each piloted three winners on the 16-race card.