The Meadows: Perron prevails in Currier & Ives from first-up

Prior to Saturday's $99,370 Currier & Ives at The Meadows, trainer Chris Beaver predicted that his horse Perron would win some big races this year by roughing it on the outside. It was a bold forecast since Perron, the reigning Ohio champion, was winless in five starts this year.

But Beaver's crystal ball was in focus, as Perron moved first-over to wear down Whiskey Blu and capture the prestigious test for 3-year-old trotters. Panzano, also trained by Beaver, finished third.

When Whiskey Blu quarter-poled to the top, he was able to discourage any challenges until the three-quarters where Perron took up the chase. Winning driver Ronnie Wrenn Jr. indicated that was about the best scenario he could draw up for the My MVP-Long Island Tea gelding.

"The four hole is a good leaving spot here, and that's about as good as he can leave," Wrenn said. "I knew I would have to grind it first-over, but he can go all day long. He's just not super-handy. He'll eye a horse down, and he just doesn't quit."

Perron and Whiskey Blu dueled through the stretch until Perron inched away to down his rival by half a length in a career-best 1:54.

Beaver said Perron has about a five-week gap in his schedule before his next engagement, an Ohio Sires Stake leg, and that he might look for a race for Perron or give him time off and qualify him for his return.

Perron lifted his career bankroll to $272,389 and helped Beaver extend his distinguished record in the Currier & Ives, which has been contested since 1975. Beaver won the 2017 edition with Fraser Ridge, took a 2009 heat with Triumphant Caviar, and captured a 2014 division with Il Sogno Dream, who scored in a stake-record 1:53 2/5.

--press release (The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)--