Complete sweeps in both Meadows series

WASHINGTON, PA, March 23, 2023 — Two harness racing series championships were up for grabs Thursday at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, and the burning question of the day was: could Heist (Father Patrick-Miss Paris) and Inside Express (Trixton-Jessie’s Song) possibly be as dominant in the finals as they were in the two preliminary legs?

The answer was a resounding “yes,” as both notched impressive wins in the slop to complete their series sweeps.

Heist left little to the imagination in the $17,600 championship of the Dale McConnell Memorial for 3- and 4-year-old trotting colts, horses and geldings, zipping to the lead from post 7 and scoring by 4-1/2 lengths for Dave Palone in 1:56.3. That gave him a combined victory margin of 17 lengths in the three series legs. Curadh and Lloyd Wright finished second and third, respectively.

Winning trainer Scott Betts said he’s pretty sure what produced the strong showings fof the 4-year-old.

“We found he was bleeding through Lasix, so we upped the dosage,” Betts said, agreeing that the resulting improvement has been significant. “He’s Kentucky eligible, so we may send him to Oak Grove for some 4-year-old events.”

Tim Betts, Tar Heel Racing and Shanamphilankilou campaign Heist.

HEIST REPLAY

Inside Express was every bit as dominant in the $17,200 final of the Mary Wohlmuth Memorial for 3- and 4-year-old filly and mare trotters. She rushed three wide to the point for Brady Brown from post 7 and drew off effortlessly to triumph by 4-3/4 lengths in 1:57.1. Her combined victory margin in the series sweep was 15-1/4 lengths. Allforsouthwind and Aquatica completed the ticket.

“She did everything perfect, everything I wanted her to do,” Brown said. “She hasn’t been tired yet. She’s finished through the bit every start now, and she’s not got tired once.”

Rick Beinhauer trains Inside Express and owns and bred her with Regina Beinhauer.

INSIDE EXPRESS REPLAY

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

Friday’s program at The Meadows features the $18,200 championship of the Wilbur Zendt Memorial for 3- and 4-year-old pacing colts, horses and geldings (race 6). On the wagering front, the card offers a $625.40 Pick 5 carryover (race 9). First post is 12:45 PM.

For complete race results, click here.

by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows Standardbreds Owners Association