Enjoying a bit of class relief, Surreal Ideal pulled the pocket in the final turn and rolled past Roll Em to capture the feature on Friday (Jan. 20) at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, a $15,400 conditioned pace.
Surreal Ideal had been competing regularly in the Open Handicap, and while Roll Em enjoyed a comfortable :58 front half, he was no match for Surreal Ideal late. The five-year-old So Surreal-Jkmusicofthenite gelding scored in 1:54.1 over a “good” surface for Ridge Warren, defeating Roll Em by a half length, with Torrin Hanover third.
Vernon Beachy trains Surreal Ideal, who extended his lifetime bankroll to $170,916, and owns with Gitup Racing and Elise Kilmer.
Jim Pantaleano collected four wins on the 13-race card — including a pair each for trainers Christen Pantaleano and Brandon Presto — while Warren enjoyed a triple.
Live harness racing at The Meadows resumes Wednesday, first post 12:45 p.m.
(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)