The Meadows: Track record falls in Friday's PA Sire Stakes

Wapiti Blue Chip took control at the quarter and kept right on marching, scoring in a track record 1:54 2/5 in Friday's $163,135 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. The mile by the International Moni-Make It Blue Chip gelding is the fastest by a rookie gelding trotter at The Meadows, knocking two ticks from the mark established by Real Cool Sam in 2019.

The stake, known as the Hickory Pride, was contested over three divisions, with Meshuggah and Fashion Green - both driven by Dave Palone - taking the other splits.

Once the horses settled from the gate, Braxten Boyd confidently moved Wapiti Blue Chip to the point.

"He raced pretty well his last time out, so I was hoping for the best," said winning trainer Mahlon Martin of his $45,000 yearling purchase. He indicated Wapiti Blue Chip will race primarily in Pennsylvania this season.

Early leader Arrowhead Hanover was second, half a length back, with Cantab Zette third. Ashley Burslam, Steven Mullen and Gregory Garton own Wapiti Blue Chip.

Meshuggah had shown talent and manners in his sole previous start, but in the Hickory Pride, he was trying to track down a still-strong Elan Hanover in the stretch. Palone was by no means sure he could do it.

"I really didn't know if I would beat him or not. I just wanted my colt to finish up strong," he said. "They were both trotting strong at the wire. I thought, 'I'm following along with some talent, let's see which one wants to get his nose up first.'"

It took the entire stretch, but the son of Greenshoe-Starita edged Elan Hanover by a head in 1:55. Big Shoes completed the ticket. Marcus Melander conditions Meshuggah, a $120,000 yearling acquisition, for Courant Inc.

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$80,000 PA Stallion Series Stake - 2-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Trotters

In Friday's sub-feature, Scudo Hanover, Podico, Manolo Hanover and Credit To Frank each captured a division. Ronnie Wrenn Jr. and trainer Ron Burke enjoyed a stake double with Podico and Credit To Frank.

Winning driver Boyd never had sat behind Scudo Hanover before, so what was his strategy?

"I went back and watched a couple of his replays," Boyd said. "I pretty much saw he was pretty perfect. I got to sneak in the two-hole leaving, and everything else pretty much took care of itself."

In the stretch, he cruised by the leader, Munster Mash Trick, defeating him by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:58 1/5. Non Disclosure was third. Syl King, Jr. trains the International Moni-Shared Past gelding for Keystone Stable.

In Friday's $21,200 Open Pace, lightly-regarded American Fling pulled off the 18-1 upset to soar over $400,000 in career earnings. Mike Wilder piloted the 4-year-old American Ideal-Feeling You gelding for trainer Randy Bendis, who owns with Pollack Racing LLC.

Wilder collected four wins and Palone three on the 13-race card.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Saturday, when the program features a $2,029 carryover in the early Pentafecta (race four). First post is 12:45 P.M.

--press release (MSOA)--