Dick Stllings wins 5,000th career race

JK Reunited completed a sweep of her three Early Call eliminations on Friday at The Meadows but had to recover from an early break to do it.

Dixie Dew Bluechip also won a $12,000 division of the series for 3-and 4-year-old filly and mare pacers which concludes next Friday, March 6, with a final for approximately $30,000. Dick Stillings drove Dixie Dew Bluechip, part of his three-bagger on the 14-race card that gave him 5,000 career victories.

Hammered down to 1-5, JK Reunited broke stride just after the start in the sloppy going, but Dave Palone quickly gathered her and sent her to the lead. From there, she was much the best, drawing off to win by 6 1/4 lengths in 1:55.1, lowering her lifetime mark a tick. Marie The Artist was a closing second while Aeronaut saved show. The judges reviewed the winner's break but did not disturb the order of finish.

Ron Burke trains JK Reunited, a 4-year-old daughter of Bettor's Delight-JK On Broadway, for Sylvia Burke, Weaver-Bruscemi LLC, JJK Stables and M1 Stable.

In the $25,000 Preferred Handicap Pace, Biletnikoff scored his second straight victory, wiring the field in 1:52.1. Ridgeline, who chased from the pocket, was second by 1 1/2 lengths, with Jagger Blue Chip third.

Aaron Merriman drove Biletnikoff, a 5-year-old gelded son of Keystone Raider-Strikadeeze, for trainer Paul Kennedy Jr. and owner Max Ernst. (The Meadows)

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