The Meadows: Always B Naughty powerful from first-up in Adioo Volo

Always B Naughty was in an unenviable spot. If she were to win Saturday's $114,770 Quinton Patterson Adioo Volo for sophomore filly pacers, she would need to make up 5 1/2 lengths on 7-5 favorite Strong Poison - and do it first-up to boot.

But the daughter of Always B Miki-Ooh Shesa Badlands did just that, prevailing in 1:50 at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows in the companion feature to the Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids.

Although Strong Poison had a demanding journey from post nine, even winning driver Dexter Dunn wasn't confident Always B Naughty could accomplish the task.

"I thought it would be hard to track down Strong Poison," Dunn said. "I was hoping one of the two horses following her would come out. But she traveled pretty well, and I asked her to go in the last turn, and she was really good."

Always B Naughty charged passed Strong Poison with little resistance, defeating Square Deal by 1 1/4 lengths. Odds On Hail Mary completed the ticket.

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Nancy Takter trains Always B Naughty, who lifted her lifetime bankroll to $189,244, and owns with Let It Ride Stables, JL Benson Stables and RBH Ventures. Takter indicated the filly is headed to Kentucky for sires stake action.

Takter's Adios Day got even sweeter when, later in the card, Cannibal shot the Lightning Lane to capture the $350,000 Adios final.

--press release (MSOA)--