Blue Ivy endured a demanding first quarter and held off a pair of rivals late to capture Friday’s $19,200 Filly & Mare Open Handicap Pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.
Blue Ivy was parked throughout that :26.1 opening panel, but when Mike Wilder gave her a :30 second-quarter breather, she was able to turn back the determined first-over challenge of Coastal, downing her by a head in 1:53. Kat was third in the Lightning Lane.
Bill Bercury trains the seven-year-old daughter of Captaintreacherous-Ali Blue, who now boasts a career bankroll of $844,999, for Renee Bercury.
Dave Palone piloted five winners on the 14-race card, including a pair for trainer Ron Burke.
Don Sherman and Star Power Hanover overtook the loose leader midway down the backside and went on to a decisive win in Friday’s $10,000 leg of the Great Lakes Amateur Driving Association (GLADA) Trot.
Joelene “The Jewel” Christman opened a quick seven-length lead with Forever Jessie, but when Sherman marched past the half, he was quickly on top and drawing off, scoring in 1:56.1. Bob “Saint” Barnard closed the gap a bit to finish second by three lengths while “Just In It To Win It” Justin Mullett in rein to Beyond Belief and Floyd “Roper” Rhodes driving Back Door Man rounded out the ticket.
Jessica Roegner trains Star Power Hanover, a four-year-old Wheeling N Dealin-Star Hanover gelding who extended his career bankroll to $185,663, for Paul O’Neil.
Live harness racing at The Meadows resumes on Wednesday, with first post at 12:45 p.m.
(With files from Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)