Aided by live cover down the backside, Bettis powered wide through the stretch to capture Thursday’s $22,500 Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows

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Bettis was sitting fifth for Aaron Merriman and seemingly facing a long first-over grind when Tough Call popped off the pylons to provide escort service. Bettis, the 6-5 favourite, outkicked Tough Call in the lane to defeat that rival by two lengths in 1:56 over a track rated “good.” Springboard shot the Lightning Lane for third.

David Wade trains Bettis, a six-year-old Sierra Kosmos-SJs Shad Roe gelding who has won four of his last five starts, and owns with William F. Peel III and Gerald Brittingham.

It was one of three wins on the 14-race card for Merriman.

(The Meadows)