Activation moved crisply first-over, gobbled up the leader and drew off late to capture Thursday’s $15,000 championship of a Pop Up Series for freshman colt and gelding trotters at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. The card also featured a $15,000 Pop Up Series final for two-year-old filly trotters, which went to Cantabs Joy.

Greenback Session had to work hard for the early lead in the colt final, finally crossing over near the three-eighths. That made him vulnerable to the challenge of Activation, who moved alertly from third for driver Anthony MacDonald and rolled home in a career-best 1:57.3, 1-1/2 lengths better than Marching Forth. My Bar Tab completed the ticket.

Tim Twaddle trains Activation (pictured above), a Father Patrick-Repentance gelding, for Thestable Activation Group. The win was his third from four career starts.

Cantabs Joy remained unbeaten after two career starts, grabbing the lead first-over for driver Jeremy Indof and just holding off the Lightning Lane challenge of Noelles Alibi, edging her by a neck in 1:59.2. Young And Reckless rallied for show.

Todd Luther conditions Cantabs Joy, a daughter of Cantab Hall-Traviata, for Greg Luther Racing LLC.

MacDonald, Twaddle and Mike Wilder each enjoyed a triple on the 12-race card.

Live harness racing at The Meadows continues on Friday when the 12-race program kicks off at 5:10 p.m.

(With files from Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)