Aided by a :29.2 second-quarter breather, Wild Wild Western was able to turn back the serious challenge of Torrin Hanover and capture Friday’s $16,000 Open Handicap Pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.
Wild Wild Western had to scorch the first panel in 26.2 to reach the point from post 6, and when Torrin Hanover moved powerfully first over from third, it appeared the leader might succumb. But under Mike Wilder’s urging, the 5-year-old son of Western Ideal-Caila Fra dug in and prevailed in 1:50.4. Done Well shot the Lightning Land for second, 1-3/4 lengths back, while Torrin Hanover saved show.
Norm Parker trains Wild Wild Western, who won for the sixth time in his last seven starts and pushed his career bankroll to $385,957, for Jacobs Creek Racing, Andrew Altobelli and John Deters.
Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. collected four wins on the 12-race card, including a pair for trainer Ron Burke.
Live racing at The Meadows resumes Tuesday at 12:45 p.m.
(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)