By Evan Pattak For The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association “Horsemen Helping Horsemen” photo Alexa Sky by Chris Gooden
Alexa Skye, the 4-5 favorite, had to work hard for the lead, but once there, she faced no serious challenges as she captured Wednesday’s $21,200 Filly & Mare Open Handicap Pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.
Alexa Sky was outside in a contested 26.4 opening panel befo0re finding a seat, but she couldn’t rest long, as Dave Palone sent her to the point at the quarter. The 7-year-old daughter of Somebeachsomewhere-Pirouette Hanover had enough in the tank to brush aside the first-up bid of Fighting Evil and hold off the full sisters, Kele Kele and Think Of Galaxies late to triumph in 1:50.1. Kele Kele edged her sib for place, 2-3/4 lengths behind the winner.
Virgil Morgan trains Alexa Skye, who boosted her career bankroll to $576,499, for Let It Ride Stables Inc. and Odds On Racing. Mike Wilder piloted four winners on the 13-race card.
The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA) is a nonprofit organization that represents the interests of approximately 700 Standardbred trainers, drivers, caretakers and owners at The Meadows. In addition to providing horses to race at The Meadows, MSOA administers such member-centric services as health insurance and retirement programs for horsemen and horsewomen.