September 29, 2023, by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association
Brue Hanover made up 1-1/2 lengths in the Lightning Lane and scored in 1:49.1, matching the stakes record in Friday’s (Sept. 29) $69,100 Keystone Classic at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Muskateer Hanover also used the Lightning Lane to capture the other division in the event for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers.
It was the final day of the 2023 stakes season at The Meadows, and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. and trainer Ron Burke made the most of it. Burke started 23 horses over the 14-race card and won seven races — three with Wrenn aboard. Hunter Myers and Dave Palone also enjoyed big days with three victories apiece.
Brue Hanover made up 1-1/2 lengths in the Lightning Lane and scored in 1:49.1, matching the stakes record in Friday’sIt was the final day of the 2023 stakes season at The Meadows, and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. and trainer Ron Burke made the most of it. Burke started 23 horses over the 14-race card and won seven races — three with Wrenn aboard. Hunter Myers and Dave Palone also enjoyed big days with three victories apiece. Brue Hanover sprinted to the early lead but soon found himself second behind Fulton, who was hard used from post eight. But even as Tip Top Cat took the point first over, winning driver Brady Brown was confident of his chances.
“I knew I would get down in the passing lane pretty early because the horse on the lead was kind of bearing out, so I knew I would get a straight shot earlier,” Brown said. “I thought I’d run them down pretty quick.”
The Stay Hungry-Blind Ambition gelding, who has earned $136,091 for Burke and owner Brad Grant, downed Tip Top Cat by a half-length while Ervin Hanover finished third to give Burke a sweep of the top three spots. Brue Hanover’s time matched the record I Like Dreamin established in 2012.
The scenario was similar for Muskateer Hanover as he brushed through the Lightning Lane to prevail in a career-best 1:49.4 for Myers and Burke. Just Bet It All rallied for second, beaten 1-1/4 lengths, with early leader Idiosyncratic third.
“He kind of bears in a little bit in the last turn, so as soon as I got some room, I was trying to get down in there as fast as I could go,” Myers said. “I knew it was a good spot.”
