Tequila Talkin has found a surefire formula for victory — seize the early lead, slow to the half, sprint home. He followed that script again Thursday (Nov. 10) to capture his third straight in the $19,300 Open Handicap Trot at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Once Dave Palone gave Tequila Talkin a :30 breather, he was home free, again defeating his stablemate, the pocket-sitting Whiskey Blu, by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:54.2. Keystone Chaos finished third.

Ron Burke trains the seven-year-old Cantab Hall-Margarita Night gelding, who scored for the 14th time this year and lifted his career bankroll to $343,563, for Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi LLC.

Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. piloted six winners on the 13-race card while Palone and Burke checked in with four and three wins, respectively.

Friday’s (Nov. 11) card at The Meadows is a huge wagering extravaganza as it features a pair of must-pay wagers offering $125,000 in pool guarantees. Included are the final-race Jackpot Super Hi-5 and its $75,000 guarantee and the Jackpot Pick-5 (Race 4) with a $50,000 guarantee. Ordinarily, those jackpots are paid only if there is a unique winning ticket. However, because of the mandatory payouts, the holders of all correct tickets will share in the spoils. First post is 12:45 p.m. (EST).

(MSOA)