First-time starter Beach Cowgirl powered to the point with a first-over move and kept right on rolling, scoring in a stakes record 1:51 in Friday’s $165,755 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Proud Mary and My Little Captain captured the other divisions in the event, known as the Sand Tart, for freshman filly pacers.
Winning driver Joe Bongiorno said despite her greenness, he had no qualms about moving Beach Cowgirl without cover.
“I was very confident with her,” said Bongiorno. “Off the fast pace, I knew I could just grind her up there without talking to her. When I spoke to her in the middle of the last turn, she felt like a horse that’s been doing it for 10 years. She had plenty left.”
The daughter of Captaintreacherous-Stonebridge Sundae drew off late to defeat Ginger Tree Coco by 5-1/4 lengths, with Square Deal third. The time knocked a full second from the stakes mark established by Glassine Hanover in 2016.
Jennifer Bongiorno trains Beach Cowgirl for Joseph DiScala Jr., Zippett Racing, Scarlett Stables LLC and Jaf Racing LLC.
Creedence Clearwater Revival sang of a riverboat named Proud Mary “rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on a river,” and in her career debut, the equine Proud Mary lived up the lyrics. She zipped to the lead from the rail, and though winning driver Dave Palone felt the need to shake the lines at her late, she prevailed by a half-length in 1:53.4. Coocooforcoco and Miss Brickley rounded out the ticket.
“She’s light on her feet and has a beautiful mouth,” said Palone. “I spoke to her around the last turn, and she exploded.”
Chris Ryder trains the homebred daughter of Sweet Lou-Tug River Princess for Let It Ride Stables and Bottom Line Racing LLC.
My Little Captain completed the first-time starters sweep when she came first up to score in 1:52.4 for Mike Wilder, trainer Andrew Stafford and owner Evm Racing LLC. Zanatta was second, 1-3/4 lengths back, while Always B A Star earned show.
“You’re always concerned coming first-over with a two-year-old making her first start,” said Wilder. “But she felt good and she sure showed up.”
In the $80,000 PA Stallion Series for two-year-old filly pacers, Ambushed was steppy while trying for the early lead, but once Braxton Boyd got her attention, she was all business, prevailing in a stakes-fastest 1:53.1. Cobbler was second, beaten 2-1/4 lengths, with Adult Swim third.
“She’s a nice filly -- that’s why I came all the way here [from northeastern Pennsylvania],” said Boyd. “Even though it wasn’t the Sires Stakes, hopefully I can keep the drive on her. I think we’ll try her in the Sires Stakes next time; she looks like she can go right with them.”
Also taking splits were Duchess Hill, Ginger Tree Lena and Little Lady J. David Miller enjoyed a stakes double behind Ginger Tree Lena and Little Lady J.
Palone piloted three winners on the 12-race card.
Live racing at The Meadows continues Saturday, with first post at 12:45 p.m.
(With files from MSOA)