The Meadows: She Shaq, Loveyoubunches prevail in PA Sire Stakes
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Acting anything like a one-race maiden, She Shaq ignored the breakers around her, glided through the slop and captured a division of Thursday's $158,146 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Loveyoubunches took the other split in the event, known as the Delmonica Hanover, for 2-year-old filly trotters.
She Shaq finished second in her career debut, also a PASS leg, but was happy just to follow along. On Thursday, she zipped aggressively to the lead for Dave Palone and trainer Ake Svanstedt, released the hard-used Little Town Road and drew away from her late, downing her by three lengths in 1:56. Skyline Seashell completed the ticket.
"I was looking forward to her all day," Palone said. "She came well advertised. They thought she was a nice filly, and when Ake likes them, I like them. When I moved her at the top of the stretch, she responded like a seasoned horse."
Svanstedt owns the daughter of Southwind Frank-Baby Shaq with Little E LLC. and Matt Franklin.
It appeared that Loveyoubunches had lost her battle for the early lead with Cahira Hanover when she retreated to the pocket, but winning trainer/driver Todd Schadel said that was all part of the plan.
"I was not disappointed at all," Schadel said. "I wanted in behind the leader. I was just waiting for Cahira Hanover to go on a little bit because if I'd wanted the front, we'd have had it. She's a well-mannered filly, and she's great gaited."
The daughter of Fordham Road-Lovebeinglucky moved wide for the drive and scored comfortably in a career-best 1:57 4/5, 2 1/4 lengths better than Insider Trading, while Cahira Hanover saved show.
Rick Beinhauer and Regina Beinhauer bred Loveyoubunches and own with Christine Schadel and Todd Schadel.
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$100,000 PA Stallion Series - 2-Year-Old Filly Trotters
Thursday's card also featured five divisions of this stake with Mike Wilder (Happy Chopper, Chimebelle) and Palone (Sambuca Hanover, Upallnight Hanover) enjoying doubles. The other split went to Mon Amie Martine.
Sambuca Hanover moved first-over from third and, rather than barreling to the top, wore down Cantabs Big Bang to defeat her by half a length in 1:57.2, fastest win in the career of the daughter of Bar Hopping-Snow Angel Hanover. Faith Step rallied for show.
"She was well within herself," Palone said. "The filly has plenty of go, just needs to get a little more seasoned. I'm glad I could have her race off a helmet and finish up strong."
Nifty Norman conditions Sambuca Hanover, a $200,000 yearling acquisition, for David McDuffee, Paul Bordonga and Melvin Hartman.
Stakes action at The Meadows continues Friday when the program features a pair of stakes for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters: a $140,146 PASS and a $40,000 PA Stallion Series event. First post is 5:10 P.M.