by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Meadow Lands, PA — Assigned the rail as the race’s least likely candidate, Winning Sister converted a second-over trip to victory in the $18,000 Open Handicap Trot for fillies and mares on Thursday (March 13) at The Meadows.

It was a breakthrough win for Winning Sister, whose best efforts of late came in conditioned races. On Thursday, she followed favorite Whotookwhat, who gunned the third quarter in :27.4 to assume the lead. Winning Sister and Dave Palone persisted, grinding down the game favorite to score in 1:56.2. In Focus Hanover followed Whotookwhat to complete the ticket.

Charlie Norris trains the daughter of Muscles Yankee for lessee and co-breeder Bob Key.

Co-featured on the card was the first leg of the Maple Lane Trot, a late closing series for 3- and 4-year-old filly and mare trotters.

Go Get Blanche took the fastest of three $10,000 divisions, scoring by a nose over Nickie K in 1:57.2. It was the third consecutive victory for the daughter of Go Get Lost, all with Mike Wilder aboard. Sharlene Dufford trains Go Get Blanche and co-owns with Phillip B. Sollon.

Teagan and Elegant Jenn also won divisions. The series final is set for March 27.