YOU ATO DREAM DOMINATES SATURDAY’S CURRIER & IVES AT THE MEADOWS

By Evan Pattak For The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association

 WASHINGTON, PA, June 25, 2021 — Hammered down to 3-5 in the wagering, You Ato Dream was expected to dominate Friday’s $60,470 Currier & Ives for 3-year-old filly trotters at The Meadows. And did she ever, powering to the point down the backside and drawing off to crush by 6-3/4 lengths in 1:54.1

 Awesome Trix recovered from an early break to finish second, with Cash N Chips third. Jeff Gregory trains and drives the daughter of Donato Hanover-Dream Child, whose lifetime bankroll soared over $300,000, and owns with William Richardson, George Romanoff and Martin Garey.

 You Ato Dream already had a pair of Pennsylvania Sires Stakes victories entering the Currier & Ives, but Gregory has been concerned with her occasional impatience while covered up and changed her rigging accordingly. Gregory said those problems appear to be behind her.

 “She was very relaxed — perfect,” he said. “She followed horses like she knew what she was doing. As far as her manners go, this was her most impressive performance. She was a perfect angel. Until her rigging doesn’t work anymore, we’ll keep it the same.”

 You Ato Dream was third behind dueling leaders when Gregory noticed a quick opening to the three path.

 “She has a quick burst, and she got around them in two steps.” he said. “This was a good race for her. I’m glad I brought her here.

 That was all the winner needed, as she triumphed geared down to 29.3 for the last quarter.

 Gregory said his filly likely will race next in the Reynolds but that he’s looking beyond that to the Delvin Miller and the Hambletonian Oaks. The Meadowlands hosts all three stakes.

 “The Reynolds will be a chance for her to see the racetrack at the Meadowlands,” Gregory said. “If she’s good in that one, we’ll go for the two big races.”

 In Saturday’s $16,000 Open Handicap Trot, Rising MVP made it three straight when he held off In Secret inside and Icanflylikeanangel outside to score in 1:54.1. Aaron Merriman piloted the 6-year-old My MVP-Nutmegs Winner gelding, who extended his career earnings to $349,017, for trainer Bill Daugherty, Jr. and owner Susan Daugherty.

 Dave Palone collected four wins on the 13-race card.

 Live racing at The Meadows continues Saturday when the 13-race program features a $148,332 PASS for 3-year-old male pacers. All nine in the field are eligible for the Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids. First post is 12:45 PM.