O Lucky Me overcomes post 9, wins Meadows series opener

Fresh off a second-place finish in the Hopeful final, a sharp O Lucky Me overcame post 9 and captured Friday’s $15,000 opening leg of the Quarter Mile, an early-closing series for 3- and 4-year-old filly and mare pacers, at The Meadows.
 
O Lucky Me endured a tough first-over trip in the slop at Yonkers to earn her big Hopeful check, a show of determination that may have persuaded trainer/driver Ray Paver to steer her aggressively. He sent the 3-year-old daughter of The Panderosa-Natchitoches toward the front, where she found the pocket behind early leader Dovetail.
 
O Lucky Me stalked patiently, then charged through the Lightning Lane to score in a career-best 1:55.4, 2-1/2 lengths better than the rallying She’s An American. Sabine’s Filly closed well for show. Steve Jones bred and owns O Lucky Me, who has hit the board in eight of 11 lifetime starts.

Dave Palone drove three winners on the 13-race card. (The Meadows)