The Meadows: Always Ana Hanover, Royally Hot best in Keystone Classics

Always Ana Hanover overwhelmed the leader, even money favorite Pilar Hanover, with a powerful, uncovered backside move and rolled home in a stake-record 1:51 1/5 in Thursday's Keystone Classic at Hollywood Casino at the Meadows. Royally Hot sprang a 12-1 upset in the other division of the stake for 2-year-old filly pacers.

Always Ana Hanover was fourth when Ronnie Wrenn Jr. sent her after Pilar Hanover, who offered resistance but succumbed in the stretch. The rallying Earth Angel was second, half a length back, while 56-1 bomb Lyons Anitasangel earned show. The time is a career-best for Always Ana Hanover and erased the previous stake mark of 1:51 3/5 Caviart Cherie established in 2016.

"They went pretty good to the half, but it's always tough to come first-over here and last," Wrenn Jr. said. "That was probably her best race of the year."

Ron Burke trains the daughter of Always B Miki-Ana Hanover for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC., William Switala and James Martin.

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Royally Hot had won just once - and that in an overnight - but trainer Jim King Jr. considered the Keystone Classic a good spot for her.

"She's been competitive right along," King said. "She's a little healthier right now than she's been. She hasn't really had her feelings hurt all year, which makes a difference at the end of the year."

Owner/breeder/driver Tim Tetrick moved the daughter of Bettor's Wish-McSauna from third past the three-quarters. She zipped by the leader, 1-9 favorite Beach Rules, and scored in 1:51 4/5, a new life mark. Blessed Hanover was second, beaten 1 3/4 lengths, while Lyons Benz completed the ticket at 61-1.

King Jr. indicated Royally Hot will race twice more in Pennsylvania stakes this year but has a more ambitious engagements schedule at 3.

Aaron Merriman, Dave Palone, Mike Wilder and Wrenn each enjoyed doubles on the 13-race card.

Friday's program at The Meadows features an $83,100 Keystone Classic for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers. First post is 12:45 P.M. (EDT).

--press release (MSOA)--