by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Washington, PA — He was unraced at 2 and enjoyed only modest success on the Ohio fairs circuit at 3. But Stride Of Pride has blossomed as an older horse. In fact, he’ll be seeking his third straight victory in Saturday’s (June 23) $18,000 Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows. The 5-year-old Manhardt-Apple B gelding leaves from post six in race three with Ronnie Wrenn Jr., his pilot in both his recent victories.

Saturday’s card also features a pair of total-pool guarantees — $7,500 for the Pick-4 (races four-seven), $5,000 for the Pick-5 (races nine-13) — as well as a $3,949.20 jackpot for the Super High 5 (race 13).

In addition, Foiled Again, the richest Standardbred ever with more than $7.5 million in lifetime earnings, tries again for career victory No. 100 (race 11, post nine). First post is 1:05 p.m.

Chris Gooden photo

Stride Of Pride took his mark of 1:49.3 in the June 9 Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.

Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi and RTC Stables purchased Stride Of Pride privately last September, a few months after observing him at Northfield Park. Recalls trainer Ron Burke:

“We watched him get to the half in :53 and still hang on to win. You don’t see that very often. We approached the owners, but they said they had no interest in selling. A couple months later they got back to us, named their price and we were more than glad to buy him.

“He got sore, so we gave him a little break. He’s been super since then. I don’t know if he’s racing any better now, but I think he’s had more opportunities in better spots.”

Stride Of Pride won 11 races last year and took his mark of 1:49.3 two weeks go. But perhaps the most pleasant surprise about his development, Burke says, is his growing versatility.

“That’s the part I really like about him,” Burke says. “I thought he might have been a ‘full-speed’ horse but didn’t know if we could race him off the pace. Now that we can, it makes him a little more dangerous.”

He indicated Stride Of Pride will continue to race at The Meadows in the immediate future but may shift to Yonkers later in the year.

Saturday’s program offers a number of fan-centric activities. The “Rockin’ on the Rail” series of Saturday live concerts continues with a performance by Tony Janflone Jr. The music begins on the apron at the conclusion of the races.

The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association will host “Harness Racing Bingo” and offer paddock tours and starting gate rides. For more information, or to participate, stop by the MSOA information table in the Racebook.