Washington, PA  – Already a series champion this year, True Seelster took the first step to another title Wednesday (April 12) at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows when she captured the $12,500 opening leg of the Ruby Cook Memorial for 3-year-old filly pacers.

True Seelster wins the opening leg of the Ruby Cook Memorial at The Meadows for Brady Brown. Chris Gooden photo.

The series honors the memory of Ruby Cook, longtime switchboard operator at The Meadows whose voice was a familiar, welcoming invitation to all who phoned the track.

On March 22, True Seelster won the final of the Donna Dunn Memorial, a series open to 3- and 4-year-old fillies. With no 4-year-olds to face in the Ruby Cook, True Seelster’s road to the title may have fewer obstacles. That was evident Wendesday when she powered to the point for Brady Brown, turned back the first-over challenge of Play For Me and scored easily in 1:55. The pocket-sitting Southwind Bourbon was second in her seasonal debut, 1-1/2 lengths back, while Play For Me gamely held show.

Mark Goldberg trains the daughter of All Bets Off-Tanis Seelster for George Kehm and Jerry Kehm.

Aaron Merriman collected four wins on the 12-race card and, in an unusual feat for a trainer, Brandon Presto swept four consecutive contests, races two-five.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Thursday (April 13) when the program features a pair of carryovers: $1,510.76 in the Early Pentafecta (race 4), $1,024.64 in the Pick 5 (race 8). First post is 12:45 p.m.