Emeralds Legacy needed every inch of the stretch to do it, but dug in gamely to edge past The Hazelton to win his third straight in Thursday's (Dec. 14) $21,200 Open Handicap Trot at The Meadows.
Leaving from post four, driver Dave Palone seized the lead early with a :27.4 first quarter before the duo released the lead to The Hazelton and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. on the way to the half in :57. Palone was content to sit the pocket as The Hazelton continued to lead to the three-quarter station in 1:25. Emeralds Legacy tipped from the pocket at the top of the stretch where the stage was set for a taut stretch duel. Emeralds Legacy surged home in :27.3 to edge a game The Hazelton by a neck on the line in 1:52.4. Longshot Windsong Patriot and Hunter Myers rallied for third at 55-1.
Trained by Scott Betts, the four-year-old gelded son of Father Patrick-Devilish Emerald lifted his career bankroll to $183,585 for owners Tim Betts, Nick Catalano, Keith Pippi and Shanamphilankilou Inc. The victory was the eighth of the season and 16th in the career of Emeralds Legacy, and one of three on the day for Palone.
Live harness racing at The Meadows continues on Friday, Dec. 15 with a first post of 12:45 p.m.
(With files from the MSOA)