Lexi B sparkled in her career debut, responding like a seasoned pro as she captured a division of Thursday’s (March 14) Mary Wohlmuth Memorial Trot at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Bet On Brenna took the other $13,514 split in the series for three- and four-year-old fillies and mares, giving Ronnie Wrenn Jr., trainer Michael Burke and owners Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi LLC a sweep of the second leg.
Lexi B (pictured above) had a single qualifier this year to prep for her career bow, but she was unperturbed when Allforsouthwind broke stride in the pocket just ahead of her. The three-year-old daughter of Southwind Frank-Sand Lavender Blu advanced confidently into the vacated two-hole and, when Wrenn tipped her wide for the drive, she had little trouble passing the leader, Faith Step, and downing her by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:59.3. Global Gal earned show.
Bet On Brenna seized the early lead from post eight before releasing the quarter-poling Daylights Daughter to the point. In the stretch, Bet On Brenna used the Lightning Lane to edge past Daylights Daughter by a half length. The four-year-old daughter of Swan For All-Isabella Hanover triumphed in 1:58.
Dale McConnell Memorial Trot — Three- and Four-Year-Old Horses, Colts & Geldings
Thursday’s card also featured the second leg of the Dale McConnell Memorial Trot, with Carrera Hanover and Father Mike each winning his second consecutive $13,514 split in the series.
Carrera Hanover found a seat third from post eight, quarter-poled to the top for Ridge Warren and shrugged off the first-over challenge from Yen Hanover. He prevailed in a career-best 1:57.1, 1-3/4 lengths better than the pocket-sitting Blockchain, with Mysterious Frank third. J.L. Adams trains the three-year-old Bar Hopping-Cankeysto gelding for Martin Valentic and McKenna Adams.
Headed at the top of the lane by Spicy Hops, Father Mike reasserted gamely and downed his challenger by a neck in 1:58, fastest win of his career. Bird In Hand completed the ticket. Jeremy Indof drove the three-year-old Father Patrick-Ready Any Time gelding for trainer Richard Perfido and owners Scott Leaf and Michael Ternisky.
Dave Palone and Wrenn each piloted three winners on the 14-race card.
Live harness racing at The Meadows continues on Friday, March 15 when the 14-race program features a trio of carryovers: $1,175.74 in the Lucky7 (race three); $1,653.83 in the Early Pentafecta (race four); $1,351.46 in the Pick 5 (race 10). First post is 12:45 p.m.
(With files from Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)