Tamarind out-duelled Ladys Dude for the early lead, then held off that rival late to capture Wednesday’s $20,000 Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows.
Once Tamarind reached the top, Aaron Merriman threw on the breaks and gave the eight-year-old Angus Hall-Spicegirl Kosmos gelding a comfortable :58.1 opening half. With the back markers effectively out of it, Tamarind had only Ladys Dude to beat, which he did by a neck in 1:55.2. TSM Photo Bugger was a ground-saving third.
Bill Bercury owns and trains Tamarind, who now boasts $747,623 in career earnings.
Merriman collected four wins and Dave Palone three on the 15-race card.
Live racing at The Meadows resumes Friday with a special post time of 5 p.m. Friday’s card features a $25,000 total-pool guarantee for the Pick 5 (Races 9-13) and a $5,000 total-pool guarantee for the Pick 4 (Races 4-7).
(With files from The Meadows)