Trotting mares in series action at The Meadows

Sporting a hood for the first time, RT Sun Poco atoned for a break last week when she came first-over to capture a division of Wednesday's (March 17) opening leg of the Double Trouble, an early-closing series for 3- and 4-year-old filly and mare trotters, at The Meadows. Gaylewinds NY took the other $15,000 opening-leg division.

 

RT Sun Poco had been a virtual win machine, taking 16 of 18 career starts before her March 12 miscue. Trainer-driver Robert Rougeaux III rigged her with the hood and reaped immediate dividends. Third down the backside, RT Sun Poco brushed past 3-10 favorite Lucky Charm on St. Patrick's Day, of all things and went on to defeat that rival by 3/4 lengths in 1:57, a lifetime mark. First Lady Two finished third.

 

Brocious Racing Stable owns RT Sun Poco, a 4-year-old daughter of Yankee Paco-Sunfest.

 

The 4-year-old Broadway Hall mare Gaylewinds NY also was rebounding from a poor effort that saw her finish eighth with little apparent interest. In the Double Trouble, driver Dave Palone got her attention by sending her to the front, where she opened a daylight lead and survived the late rally of American Holiday. Gaylewinds NY prevailed in a career-best 1:58.4, a neck better than American Holiday, with Candy J third.

 

Kris Rickert trains Gaylewinds NY for Dale Wareham. It was one of three wins on the 13-race card for Palone. (The Meadows)