Tamarind changed his tactics but the result was the same Tuesday at The Meadows as he captured his third straight in the $18,000 Preferred Handicap Trot.

Customarily a closer, Tamarind zipped to the front for Aaron Merriman in a snappy :27.1 and was able to withstand the two-pronged late challenge from Trustworthy Kid outside and Tall Cotton in the Lightning Lane. The seven-year-old son of Angus Hall-Spicegirl Kosmos prevailed by half a length over Tall Cotton in 1:53.2, with Trustworthy Kid a close-up third.

Bill Bercury owns and trains Tamarind, who extended his career bankroll to $665,044.

In Tuesday’s companion feature, the $18,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot, Whata Donato stalked Cowgirl Hall from the pocket, then charged by in the Lightning Lane for trainer/driver Doug Snyder to defeat Cowgirl Hall by a neck in 1:54.4. Unefoisdansmavie earned show.

Frank Poerio, Jr. campaigns Whata Donato, a five-year-old daughter of Donato Hanover-Donven Promise who now boasts $280,276 in lifetime earnings.

(The Meadows)