Stickler Hanover led at every pole and thwarted the late challenge of Whiskey Blu to capture Thursday’s feature at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, a $12,800 conditioned trot.

Stickler Hanover faced no serious threats until mid-stretch, when Whiskey Blu loomed menacingly. The five-year-old son of Explosive Matter-Secret Credit dug in for Brady Brown and downed Whiskey Blu by a half-length in 1:54.1 over a “good” surface. Kommin On Strong completed the ticket.

Steve Schoeffel trains Stickler Hanover, who now has banked $238,047, for Virginia Schoeffel, Kathy Schoeffel, Dan Goehle and Mike Munn.

It was one of three wins for Brown on the 11-race card, including a pair for Schoeffel.

Friday’s card at The Meadows features a pair of $40,000 Arden Downs Grand Circuit trots for two-year-olds — one for fillies, the other for colts and geldings. On the wagering front, the 12-race program includes a $5,000 total-pool guarantee, offered in association with the United States Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Initiative, on the Early Pick 4 (Race 1). Also featured are a $1,756.07 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5 and a $1,554.93 carryover in the Jackpot Pick 5 (Race 4). First post is 5:10 p.m.

(MSOA)