Martys Charm reluctantly yielded to the pocket early, a move that proved wise late as he roared through the stretch to capture the $25,000 Preferred Handicap

Monday at The Meadows. It was his fourth consecutive victory in the track’s top pace.

When Aaron Merriman sent Biletnikoff to the front, Martys Charm was keen to wrest that early lead from him. But the determined Biletnikoff blazed the first quarter in 26.3, persuading Randy Tharps to guide Martys Charm to the beckoning pocket.

Martys Charm had enough in reserve to pace the final panel in 27.4 and score in 1:50.4, downing the game Biletnikoff by three quarters of a length. Civil Attack was a non-threatening third.

Paul Corey trains Martys Charm for Martha and Gerald Baluck. The five-year-old gelded son of Aces N Sevens-Bets Mae has triumphed in 21 of 40 lifetime starts.

(The Meadows)