Killer Instinct enjoyed a second-quarter breather that helped him hold off the pocket-sitting Emeralds Legacy and capture Friday’s $29,444 Open Handicap Trot at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Killer Instinct quarter-poled to the top for Hunter Myers, who threw on the brakes and gave the six-year-old Southwind Frank-Wheely Quick gelding a :29.2 second panel. With so much left in the tank, Killer Instinct allowed Emeralds Legacy to inch up only, downing the challenger by a half-length in 1:54. Call Me Dani completed the ticket.

Melanie O’Donnell trains Killer Instinct, who now boasts a career bankroll of $491,440, and owns with Corey Hendricks.

Dave Palone collected four wins, including three for trainer Brandon Presto, on the 13-race card. Palone’s haul lifted his career victory total to 20,995, just a handful of wins away from his next milestone.

Live harness racing at The Meadows resumes on Wednesday when the program features a trio of carryovers: $2,354.15 in the Early Pick 4 (race one), $4,084.37 in the Early Pentafecta (race four) and $724.32 in the Pick 5 (race nine). First post is 12:45 p.m.

(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)