American Music powered past Lunar, the 1-5 favourite, near the three-quarters and dug in late to secure his 22-1 upset in Saturday’s (Jan. 20) $25,600 Open Handicap Pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.
Although American Music had little trouble clearing Luna, he faced late challenges from Macadoodledoo and Patrikthepiranha A. Luke Hanners kept the nine-year-old American Ideal-Aspectofmusic gelding to his task, and he downed Macadoodledoo by a half length in 1:54.1 over a “slow” surface. Patrikthepiranha A finished third.
Jason Irwin trains American Music, who now boasts a career bankroll of $272,462, and owns with John Irwin.
Hanners, Hunter Myers, Dave Palone and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. joined trainers Scott Betts, Brandon Presto and Dirk Simpson with doubles on the 13-race card.
Live harness racing at The Meadows resumes on Wednesday, with first post at 12:45 p.m.
(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)