Making only his second start in more than 13 months, 10-1 Lunar outkicked 1-9 favourite Chase H Hanover to pull off the upset in the $25,263 Open Handicap Pace on Friday, Jan. 5 at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.
Lunar stalked Chase H Hanover from the pocket and the six-year-old Sweet Lou-Crescent City gelding vaulted by when Dan Charlino tipped him wide for the drive. Semi Tough rallied for second, 1-1/2 lengths back, while Chase H Hanover saved show. The winning time was 1:50.3.
Michael Burke, who swept the exacta, trains Lunar, who won for the 12th time in 24 career outings and soared over $108,000 in earnings, for Burke Racing Stable, Phillip Collura, Knox Services and J&T Silva-Purnel & Libby.
Dave Palone piloted four winners on the 13-race card while Ronnie Wrenn Jr. and trainer Brandon Presto each enjoyed a triple.
Live harness racing at The Meadows resumes on Wednesday when the program features a $1,819.60 carryover in the Early Pentafecta (Race 4). First post is 12:45 p.m.
(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)