WASHINGTON, PA, March 6, 2017 –Shuffled to sixth along the pylons with no path out, Hard Headed Women barreled through the Lightning Lane and scored the 8-1 upset in Monday's opening leg of the Donna Dunn Memorial Pace at The Meadows. Terrortina took the other $12,500 split in the series for harness racing 3 and 4-year-old fillies and mares.
The event honors the memory of the late Donna Dunn, longtime Standardbred owner and wife of the late Walter "Boots" Dunn, prominent trainer, driver, breeder and United States Trotting Association director.
Hard Headed Women got away fourth from post 9 for Aaron Merriman but was buried inside down the backside. Merriman sent her around one horse into the final turn before pointing her to the Lightning Lane. She prevailed in a career-best 1:55.4, 1-1/2 lengths better than Bella Ragaza, with Jade Bangles third. Bill Rhoades trains the 4-year-old daughter of Riverboat King-Dragon's Georgette for Leah Rhodes.
In the $20,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Pace, Spreester, a 13-time winner in 2016 who had been shut out in her first eight starts this year, survived a miserable trip to score for Merriman, trainer Bill Bercury and owner Renee Bercury. Early leader Lakeisha was second, 1/2 length back, with a rallying Medusa third. The 6-year-old daughter of American Ideal-Rodeo Spree extended her career bankroll to $594,656. It was one of three wins for Merriman on the 12-race card.
The Meadows Racetrack & Casino