The Meadows: Palone, Toscano sweep Keystone Classic

Sarasota Hanover turned back Gentrify’s stern challenge and rolled home in a stake-record 1:49 2/5 in Friday’s $54,750 Keystone Classic at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Pressure Cooker captured the other division of the event for 3-year-old filly pacers, giving Dave Palone and trainer Linda Toscano a stake sweep. Overall, Palone enjoyed six wins on the 13-race card.

Sarasota was cruising down the “good” backside when she faced first-over pressure from Gentrify. That changed Palone’s plans.

“I thought maybe I’d give her a breather up the backstretch, and then Gentrify sort of forced my hand,” Palone said. “But when I took the plugs our, she was off on her own. Really an impressive filly. She wouldn’t embarrass herself against any filly in the country.”

Once put to the task, the daughter of Stay Hungry-Surfside Sexy reasserted and defeated Gentrify by a length, with Lou Lou third. The time erased the previous stake mark held jointly by Lispatty and Drama Act.

Jablonsky Held Stable, Camelor Stable Inc., John Fodera and South Mountain Stables campaign Sarasota Hanover, who now boasts a career bankroll of $243,025.

Pressure Cooker quarter-poled to the top and made the move stand up, downing the rallying Stonecoldtreachery by 3/4 lengths in a career-best 1:50 4/5. Staying With Emily completed the ticket.

“Last time I raced her, I had to use her leaving, and I had a little trouble getting her to relax,” Palone said. “But we were going enough that wasn’t an issue today. The fast fractions actually played into my hands.”

The daughter of Heston Blue Chip-Bettor Be Steamin now has earned $183,476 lifetime for owners Odds On Racing, Let It Ride Stables Inc. and Mac Nichol.

Saturday’s card at The Meadows features a $67,900 Keystone Classic for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers. On the wagering front, the program offers a $423.50 carryover in the Pick 5 (race 9). First post is 12:45 PM.

-edited release (Evan Pattak for MSOA)