Dark Lightning, a mid-range claimer earlier this year, completed his ascent to the top when he captured Monday’s $22,500 Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows

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Although Dark Lightning rose steadily through the ranks for trainer Paul Kennedy, success in the Preferred Handicap eluded him until Monday. He made a quarter-pole move to the lead for Eric Ledford, backed down the field in a :29-second panel and sprinted home to score easily in 1:53. Jojo N Goliath rallied for second, with Johnny Z rounding out the top three.

E.J. Underwood III, Kyle Underwood and Kennedy own the five-year-old Spy Hard-Hickory Lil Towner gelding.

Dave Palone drove five winners and Brett Miller and Brian Zendt three apiece on the 15-race card while Ron Burke and Bill Zendt enjoyed training triples.

(The Meadows)