WASHINGTON, PA, Jan. 4, 2017 — Barn Girl continued to dominate The Meadows' distaff trotting elite, defeating them for the fifth time in her last six starts by capturing Wednesday's $20,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot.
Aaron Merriman hustled Barn Girl from post 8 to the lead, where she faced a menacing backside challenge from Wendy's Girl. But the 5-year-old daughter of Cash Hall-Turquoise Sweetie refused to yield, reasserting in the lane and scoring in 1:56.3. Unefoisdansmavie rallied from last for second, 1-1/4 lengths lengths back, while Wendy's Girl saved show.
Bill Bercury trains Barn Girl, who pushed her career bankroll to $367,796, for Renee Bercury.
Dave Palone continued his strong start to the 2017 season, piloting five winners that pushed his total to 15 for the year's first three programs. Dan Rawlings enjoyed a triple on the 13-race card.
by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows