Biletnikoff confidently took the lead from Post 8, but had to hold on for dear life late to secure his victory in Friday’s $22,500 Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows

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Biletnikoff shot to the front for Aaron Merriman and retook when he was pocketed, leading the field through three-quarters in a snappy 1:23.3. He wasn’t out of danger, though, as Red Hot Scandal, fifth by three and a hald lengths at the top of the stretch, poured through the Lightning Lane to challenge. Biletnikoff hung on by a nose to defeat Red Hot Scandal in 1:51.2, with Bongo a rallying third.

Paul Kennedy trains the seven-year-old Keystone Raider-Strikeadeeze gelding, who vaulted over $600,000 in career earnings, for Markus Ernst.

(The Meadows)