Windsong Patriot held off challengers inside and outside to preserve his victory in Thursday’s (Feb. 9) feature at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, a $15,400 conditioned trot.

Sent off as the 7-5 favourite, Windsong Patriot endured a parked opening quarter in a swift :27, an effort that could well have left him vulnerable late. But when the pocket-sitting Lexus Markus loomed large and Fawn De Touch shot the Lightning Lane, Windsong Patriot dug in for Hunter Myers and prevailed in 1:54.1. Lexus Markus was a half length back in second, with Fawn De Touch third.

Melanie O’Donnell trains Windsong Patriot, a seven-year-old EL Titan-Windsong Idol gelding who lifted his lifetime bankroll to $171,685, and owns with Corey Hendricks.

Aaron Merriman piloted three winners on the 13-race card.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Friday (Feb. 10) when the 13-race program kicks off at 12:45 p.m. (EST).

(MSOA)