Apple Plush wins PA Stallion Series in 1:57.2

Apple Plush, who had only a baby race victory in the Maine mud to her credit, roared through the stretch Monday at The Meadows to capture a Pennsylvania Stallion Series division for 3-year-old filly trotters, lowering her lifetime mark 13.1 seconds in the process, to 1:57.2. Agenda Tom Ridge survived a brutal first quarter to take the other $20,000 split.

 

Since her victory in 2:10.3 last July over a muddy Scarborough Downs track, Apple Plush had raced in a pair of overnight events only. But Roland Mallar, who trains the homebred daughter of SJ’s Caviar-Miss Molly Tamale for Michael Andrew, said the youngster showed enough promise to merit a stakes opportunity.

 

“She’s kind of a growthy filly, and I guess she had some soreness issues,” Mallar said. “Mentally, she still may not be where she should be, but I think she’ll get there. She has some ability. She’s going in the right direction, anyway.”

 

She justified that faith Monday, when she made up 3-1/2 lengths in the lane for Eric Ledford to overtake 7-10 favorite Pearly Princess, downing that rival by 3/4 lengths. Cantab Lady finished third.

 

Mallar said Apple Plush remains eligible for Pennsylvania and national stakes. “We’re taking baby steps right now, but she’s paid up to quite a bit,” he said.

 

Agenda Tom Ridge and Dave Palone endured a three-wide journey to the lead before clearing at the quarter pole. Although the fractions weren’t severe, she was all out to fend off the Lightning Lane charge of Whisk Hanover, prevailing by a nose in 1:59.4. The first-over Caviar And Kisses was third.

 

“I had to let the dust settle before I moved her to the front, and I think it stung her a bit,” Palone said. “But she dug in. She shows up every week. She’s much better out of a hole, but it’s tough to trust her from the eight hole at short odds. I wasn’t dissatisfied. She gets a little lost on the front.”

 

The daughter of Tom Ridge-Agenda Hanover has won five of her last seven starts for trainer Ron Burke and Fulton Nine Partners.

 

In the $25,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Pace, Red Star Hottie raced on Lasix for the first time and turned in a giant performance for Palone, establishing a track record of 1:50.4 for older mares. Go On BB set the previous mark of 1:51.2 last year. Francie’s Dream rallied for place, 2 lengths back, with Save My Shark third. Burke trains Red Star Hottie, a 5-year-old daughter of As Promised-Whitehorse Fever, for Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. Burke enjoyed a four-bagger while Palone drove three winners on the 14-race program. (The Meadows)