By Tyler Stillings for the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association
Hollywood Casino at The Meadows featured 2-year-old fillies Wednesday afternoon, with two $40,000 Keystone Classics for pacers and a single $58,000 Keystone Classic for trotters.
Dave Palone steered Aestas and Love Somebody to victory, taking both divisions of the 2-year-old filly pacer Keystone Classic.
Aestas’ effort of 1:52 was the fastest Keystone Classic division. After stretching an opening quarter in 27.2, Palone was able to get a favorable 57.1 middle half, setting up a sprint to the wire. With Wish For A Captain on her back, Aestas let go with a 27.2 final quarter for a three-length victory over the pocket sitter. Jodo Hanover would threaten but settle for the show spot. Steve LeBlanc trains the daughter of Papi Rob Hanover for owner Glenn Dyke. It was a career-best effort for Aestas, whose 2026 earnings are now approaching $100,000.
Pacing toward an uneventful three-quarters in 1:25, Love Somebody and Palone moved quickly from third on their way to a Keystone Classic victory. Head-to-head with Gold Impact at the head of the stretch, Love Somebody got a step on Fauvette Hanover before holding on to beat the pocket sitter by a step. Inda Toscano trains Love Somebody for owners and breeders Country Club Acres Inc. and Joe Sbrocco of Ohio. Love Somebody now boasts two wins from six starts and a new lifetime career best of 1:52.2.
Chris Gooden Photo
She’s A Home Run and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. cleared to the lead past the quarter and never relinquished it on their way to winning the $58,000 Keystone Classic for 2-year-old filly trotters. Leaving from post eight, the daughter of Captain Corey worked through an opening quarter of 28.1 to get to the lead. Withstanding a minor threat at the three-quarters and a two-pronged attack from Sevenoops Hanover, who finished second, and The Captains Wife, who finished third, She’s A Home Run secured her third seasonal win with a 1:56.2 victory. Vernon Beachy trains for owners 518 Group LLC and Ryan Smith of Ohio.
Chris Gooden Photo
Wednesday afternoon, Ronnie Wrenn Jr. led all drivers with four wins.
Keystone Classic racing returns Thursday at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Two-year-old trotters and pacers highlight the day’s 13-race card, with first-race post at 12:45 p.m.