Phoenix Warrior N duelled with Windsong Leo through a :26.4 third quarter before edging away late to capture Saturday’s $18,000 Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.

Phoenix Warrior N and Jim Pantaleano were stalking Windsong Leo and Dave Palone from the pocket when, after a sluggish :29.3 second panel, they decided to duke it out right there. The rivals raced as a team until the stretch, where the six-year-old Jeremes Jet-Never Walk Alone gelding was the stronger, downing Windsong Leo by a neck in 1:51.4 over a “good” surface. Dapper Dude finished third.

Scott Betts trains Phoenix Warrior N, who won for the 12th time this year and lifted his career bankroll to $345,973, for Timothy Betts, Nicholas Catalano and Stephen Moss.

Palone collected four wins — including a pair for trainer Trent Stohler — while Tony Hall and trainer Ron Burke each enjoyed a triple on the 13-race card.

(The Meadows)