Divine Thing and Country Victory Shine in Pennsylvania at The Meadows

On Thursday, August 8, at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, Divine Thing and Country Victory each captured a division of the $109,000 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes for freshman filly trotters, also known as the Delmonica Hanover.

In the first $109,165 division, Divine Thing rallied from fourth position after David Miller sent her first over. When Ms Prada vacated the pocket near the final turn, Divine Thing seized the opportunity, powering through the lane to win by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:54.3, just two ticks shy of the stake record set by Sister Sledge. Payback Moni finished third. Trainer Steve Carter and owners Jay Mossbarger, Brent Hopper, and Kyle Gray have seen Divine Thing earn $131,202 to date. Miller was pleased with the filly's performance, noting, “When Ms Prada edged out, that was fine. We got a little cover. The trip really was good for her. She’s improved over the last couple of starts.”

In the other $109,721 division, Country Victory overcame a tough start, having been parked for the entire opening panel. The daughter of International Moni-Kristins Victory held off Princess Jackie’s challenge to win by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:55. Goodgirl Bi It and Princess Jackie rounded out the top three. Winning driver Yannick Gingras remarked, “We got a little breather in the second quarter, so we kind of cooled out a little bit. She gave me a little bit more every time I asked.”

$111,111 PA Stallion Series - Two-Year-Old Filly Trot

In the sub-featured races, Tiktok Hanover, Saints Preserve Us, Sangria Joy, and Bay Breeze Hanover each won a division. Tim Tetrick achieved a stake double with victories behind Saints Preserve Us and Bay Breeze Hanover.

Tiktok Hanover demonstrated impressive form, moving first over from fifth and winning in 1:57.4. Timely Blessing finished second, a length behind, with Greenhorn in third. Aaron Merriman, who drove Tiktok Hanover, noted, “I’m sure she’s better wearing a helmet. She was well in hand.”

Saints Preserve Us and Bay Breeze Hanover also delivered strong performances in their respective divisions.

Live harness racing continues at The Meadows on Friday, August 9, featuring a $146,622 PA Sire Stakes event for three-year-old filly pacers, a $143,162 PA Sire Stakes event for sophomore colt and gelding trotters, and a $100,000 PA Stallion Series race for three-year-old filly pacers. The 13-race program, with nine stakes splits, begins at 5:10 p.m.