WASHINGTON, PA, March 7, 2017 — Joyful exploded past the leader with an uncovered backside brush and went on to capture his division in Tuesday's opening leg of the Ken Weaver Memorial Trot at The Meadows. DD's Comet, a harness racing seven-race maiden entering the day, took the other $12,500 division in the series for 3- and 4-year-old colts, stallions and geldings.
The event honors the memory of the late Ken Weaver, a trainer/driver who was a fixture at The Meadows and on the Pennsylvania Fairs circuit.
Joyful was third when Naquel Harvey sent him after Bourdain on the front. He cleared easily and drew off to prevail in 1:59.3 over a sloppy surface. Bourdain saved place, 2-1/2 lengths back, while Claire And Kenny rallied for show. Doug Hamilton trains and owns the 4-year-old Conway Hall-Joy To The World gelding.
In the $18,000 Filly & Mare Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Trot, Bessie made it three straight when she survived a demanding opening quarter and poured it on late to score in 1:56.3, 3/4 lengths better than Barn Girl. Classic Belisima earned show.
Jim Pantaleano piloted the 6-year-old daughter of Equinox Bi-Cantab's Chorine, who now boasts a lifetime bankroll of $289,360, for trainer Rick Clapper and owners Paula Clapper, Umholtz Racing Stable and Kennedy Sports Corp. It was one of three wins for Pantaleano on the 13-race card.
The Meadows Racetrack & Casino