First over forever, Swan Image persevered until he collared the front-ending Wind Surfer and captured Friday’s $25,000 Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows.

With Wind Surfer enjoying a moderate :58-second front half, victory seemed like mission impossible for Swan Image, who was six lengths back in fifth at the half. But when Brett Miller sent Swan Image on his uncovered bid, the seven-year-old Balanced Image-Swan Lake gelding gamely wore down the leader and edged past around the final turn.

Swan Image downed Wind Surfer by three-quarter lengths in 1:55.3, with Rose Run Keepsake a rallying third. John Billings III trains Swan Image, who pushed his career bankroll to $494,767, for Larry Roman.

The final four races on the scheduled 15-race card were canceled due to problems with track lighting.

(The Meadows)