Pacer makes clean sweep of Dale McConnell Memorial Series

WASHINGTON, PA, March 21, 2024 — Carrera Hanover (Bar Hopping-Cankeysto) captured Thursday’s $18,000 final of the Dale McConnell Memorial Trot, completing a sweep of the harness racing series for 3- and 4-year-old horses, colts and geldings at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. In Thursday’s co-feature, Bet On Brenna (Swan For All-Isabella Hanover) took the $18,000 final of the Mary Wohlmuth Memorial Trot for 3- and 4-year-old fillies and mares.

Carrera Hanover had won from posts 7 and 8 in the preliminary series legs, so when he drew post 4 for the championship, he figured to be the heavy favorite — which he was, at 1-9.

Once the 3-year-old gelding quarter-poled to the point for Ridge Warren, there was no doubt who was the best, as he scored in a career-best 1:56.4. Blockchain, a 40-1 long shot, finished second in the Lightning Lane, beaten 1-1/4 lengths, while the first-over Bird In Hand was third.

J.L. Adams trains Carrera Hanover for Martin Valentic and McKenna Adams.

CARRERA HANOVER REPLAY

Bet On Brenna was similarly dominant in her victory. She moved first over from third, gobbled up the leader, Daylights Daughter, and rolled home for Dave Palone in 1:57. Pull The Shoes was second, 2-1/2 lengths back, with Standin Over third.

Michael Burke trains the 4-year-old mare for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Jim Zito.

BET ON BRENNA REPLAY

Aaron Merriman piloted four winners and Palone three on the 13-race card.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Friday when the 13-race program features a $1,567.85 carryover in the Lucky7 (race 3). First post is 12:45 PM.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association