Friday’s second leg of the Jans Luck at The Meadows became a showcase for owner-breeder Ron Mersky’s “Hokie Girls.” Hokie Heart and Hokie Spirit each won a $15,000 division of the series for three-year-old filly pacers for driver Mile Wilder and trainer Dan Altmeyer
. Smoke Pan Mirrors captured the third division in 1:54.2, fastest mile of the leg.
Hokie Heart, who took a split in last week’s opening leg, sat patiently in third until Wilder cut her loose before the final turn. The daughter of Dragon Again-Rose Croix easily blew by Discoverer, the 1-5 favourite, and triumphed in 1:54.3. She Can Dance rallied for place, a length behind, while Discoverer saved show.
Hokie Spirit’s win was less likely, as she was launching her sophomore campaign off a layoff of nearly seven months. The daughter of Dragon Again-Yankee Fresca enjoyed a ground-saving trip before exploding in the lane, scoring in 1:54.3, 3-1/4 lengths better than 4-5 favourite Electricity. Kalua Killean was well back in third. With their victories, the stablemates established lifetime marks.
Doug Snyder gave Smoke Pan Mirrors a :30.3 second-quarter breather on the lead, and the daughter of No Pan Intended-Sleight of Pan responded with a comfortable victory. The pocket-sitting O Lucky Me was 1-1/2 lengths back in second, with RM Mornin Sunshine third. Dane Snyder trains Smoke Pan Mirrors for Judy Magie.
Wilder and Dave Palone each drove three winners on the 14-race card. The Jans Luck final, with an estimated purse of $25,000, is set for next Friday.
(The Meadows)