Lifetime marks shattered in Series

WASHINGTON, PA, March 16, 2022 — Jillian B. Miki rolled home in 1:53.4, knocking a remarkable 6.3 seconds from her harness racing lifetime mark, in Wednesday’s Donna Dunn Memorial Pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Gray Skies captured the other $10,000 second-leg division and gave Dave Palone a sweep of the event.

The series $15,000-added championship is set for Wednesday, March 23.

A 3-year-old daughter of Always B Miki-Sir Jillian Z Tam, Jillian B Miki raced exclusively at PA fairs last year. But as the 4-5 favorite, she was ready for her close-up.

She quarter-poled to the top for Palone and never let a rival get close, defeating early leader Irish Daydream by 1-1/2 lengths, while Bet I’m Lucky rallied for show.

Tye Loy trains Jillian B. Miki and owns with Rich Gillock.

JULLIAN B MIKI REPLAY

Speaking of new lifetime narks, Gray Skies was no slouch in that area, lowering hers by 6.1 seconds in her 1:53.4 victory.

The 3-year-old daughter of Western Ideal-Gray Major experienced a slight shuffle after taking the early lead. But when Palone angled her off the cones at the top of the lane, she got up to down the first-over Somemiki Hanover by 1/2 length, with favorite Collusion Illusion third.

Scott Betts conditions Gray Skies for Tim Betts.

GRAY SKIES REPLAY

Jeremy Indof and Palone each collected three wins on the 11-race card.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Thursday when the 11-race program features a pair of carryovers — $24,590.25 in the Jackpot Pick 5 (race 4), $3,974.87 in the final-race Super Hi-5. First post is 12:45 PM.

For full race results, click here.

By Evan Pattak, for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association