Windsong Leo fought off late challenges inside and out to preserve his victory in the $16,000 Open Handicap Pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows on Friday (Dec. 17).
Windsong Leo quarter-poled to the top and remained in control until the top of the stretch where his stablemate, Rockin Ron, loomed large outside while Carolina Beach angled for the Lightning Lane. But the nine-year-old Jeremes Jet-Windsong Goldie gelding held firm for Dave Palone, downing Carolina Beach by three parts of a length in 1:50.4, with Rockin Ron a close-up third.
It was career win 67 for Windsong Leo and lifted his lifetime bankroll to $808,522. Ron Burke trains him for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Phillip Collura.
Elsewhere on Friday’s card, 14-year-old Dream Out Loud N, who faces mandatory retirement at the end of December, won his eighth straight and 19th this year in a $10,000 Claiming Pace. The victory lifted him back into a tie with Winning Shadow and Swan Fine Lady for most 2021 wins in North America. Palone piloted the Bettors Delight-Nothin Butadreamer gelding for trainer Marcus Marashian, who owns with Tina Porfilio.
Jim Pantaleano and Palone each collected three wins on the 11-race card.
Live harness racing at The Meadows resumes Tuesday when the 13-race program features a $17,603.99 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5. First post is 12:45 p.m.
(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)