WASHINGTON, PA — Shuffled to sixth through the final turn, Rising MVP poured through an inviting Lightning Lane to spring the 9-1 harness racing upset in Friday’s $17,600 Open Handicap Trot at The Meadows.

Rising MVP had no hope of finding room outside, but when the Lightning Lane proved magically available, Aaron Merriman guided the 6-year-old My MVP – Nutmegs Winner gelding to a 1:55.1 victory. Icanflylikeanangel, who fronted the mile, came up a nose short, with On Higher Ground third.

Rising MVP now has earned $320,985 for trainer Bill Daugherty, Jr., who removed the winner’s hopples for Friday’s race, and owner Susan Daugherty.

Saturday’s “Preakness Day” live card at The Meadows features a pair of stakes for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters — a $150,507 Pennsylvania Sires Stake and a $60,000 PA Stallion Series event — as well as an $804.59 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5. Also featured are a variety of fan activities that will culminate in the track’s simulcast of the Preakness at approximately 6:45 PM. The 13-race live program begins at the special time of 11:25 AM.