Tough Muscle hung tough in the slop to capture Thursday’s (Dec. 22) $21,200 Open Handicap Trot at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Tough Muscle sat third after a three-ply battle for the early lead with Warrawee Whisper and Keystone Chaos. But after Ronnie Wrenn Jr. sent him back to the point at the quarter, the four-year-old Musclesprinctonian-Cantabulous Julie easily withstood a number of late challenges to prevail in 1:55, a length better than Keystone Chaos. Tequila Talkin rallied from post nine for show.

Ron Burke trains Tough Muscle, who extended his career bankroll to $198,495, for Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi LLC.

Dave Palone piloted four winners and Jeremy Indof three on the 13-race card. Palone’s haul gives him 11 victories over the past three programs.

With the cancellation of Friday’s card due to expected frigid conditions, live racing at The Meadows resumes Tuesday (Dec. 27) when the card features an $8,165.97 carryover in the Jackpot Pick 5 (Race 4). First post is 12:45 p.m. (EST).

(MSOA)