Papi Grad drives like a dream

When it comes to Pennsylvania’s class of two-year-old filly pacers, Papi Grad has emerged as the clear standout. In Friday’s $178,632 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes (PASS) final preliminary leg at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, Papi Grad will aim to extend her perfect career record to six wins and complete a clean sweep of the PASS preliminaries.

The event also includes an $80,000 PA Stallion Series leg for freshman filly pacers, with the first post set for 5:10 p.m.

Papi Grad was initially bought back by her breeder, Midland Acres, at the Lexington yearling auction. They then formed an ownership group that includes Brent Hopper, Jay Mossbarger, TKO Racing Stable LLC, and SCPStable & Friedland Racing, entrusting the filly to trainer Steve Carter. She showed promise early on, but it was her final qualifier at Scioto Downs that truly impressed Carter.

“After that last qualifier, I realised she’s something special,” said Carter of the Papi Rob Hanover–Betterthangraduate daughter. “I’m surprised, she’s already clocked 1:51 and changed a couple of times, but we haven’t really pushed her yet. She’s a very willing horse with a powerful gait. Once she gets into her stride, she drives off her back end effortlessly.”

Indeed, Papi Grad’s performance in the PASS series has been nothing short of dominant, with three wins by a combined margin of 18-1/2 lengths, boosting her earnings to $180,737. Regardless of Friday’s result, she is likely to be the favourite in the estimated $252,000 PASS final on Sept. 5 at The Meadows.

Looking ahead, Carter expects Papi Grad to race in stakes events at The Red Mile later this year and have a more extensive schedule as a three-year-old.

She’ll line up in race eight from post seven, with regular driver Brett Miller in the sulky. Carter isn’t concerned about race strategy.

“She’s got the speed and versatility to put herself in a good spot from anywhere. She drives like a dream — push button,” he said.