WASHINGTON, PA, Jan. 3, 2017 — Skippin By overwhelmed the leader with a first-over blitz in the slop and went on to a comfortable victory in Tuesday's $18,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.
Skippin By was in third place when Dave Palone sent her after Medusa, who was unchallenged on the lead to that point. The 6-year-old daughter of Shadow Play-Southern Magnolia cleared into the final turn and drew off to score in 1:52.2 geared down. Tipitina found late racing room to finish second, 3/4 lengths back, with Spreester third.
Ron Burke trains Skippin By, who now boasts $688,504 in career earnings, for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, Wall Bros. Stable and Bruce Soulsby.
Palone piloted six winners — giving him 10 over the last two programs — including three for Burke while Aaron Merriman fashioned a driving quadruple on the 13-race card.
by Evan Pattak, for the Meadowlands