The Hazelton earned a new lifetime mark in the closing day co-feature on Friday, Dec. 29 at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.
In the $21,200 Open Handicap Trot, The Hazelton quarter-poled to the top and jogged from there, winning in 1:53 for Ronnie Wrenn Jr., trainer Michael Burke and owners Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. Emeralds Legacy rallied for second, beaten 2-3/4 lengths, with Ponda Adventure third.
The three-year-old Muscle Mass-Too Good For You gelding now boasts a lifetime bankroll of $240,914.
In the other closing day co-feature, Spring Inhis Step A moved powerfully first over, overtook Chase H Hanover and captured the $21,200 Open Handicap Pace.
Chase H Hanover was seeking his fourth straight win, but Spring Inhis Step A and Aaron Merriman had other ideas when they set sail from sixth. Spring Inhis Step wore down Chase H Hanover and downed him by a length in 1:50.2. Smooth Baht A finished third.
Jeff Cullipher trains the winner, a six-year-old Somebeachsomewhere-Summa Of Dreams gelding who pushed his career bankroll to $170,257, and owns with Pollack Racing LLC.
Elsewhere on Friday’s card, 14-year-old Marty Monkhauser A, racing two days before his mandatory retirement, tried to go out in a blaze of glory — and he nearly did, leading the field for more than three-quarters. But those 331 career starts may have taken their toll late, and the gallant warrior faded to fourth for Merriman and owner/trainer Scot Davidson. Marty Monkhouser A retires with $743,444 in earnings.
Jeremy Indof piloted four winners on the 14-race card.
The Meadows kicks off its 2024 season on Wednesday, Jan. 3, with first post at 12:45 p.m.
(with files from MSOA)