John Dutton erased a 4-1/2-length deficit with a first-over move and captured his third straight victory in Wednesday’s (March 29) feature at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, a $12,600 conditioned trot.
Heist, seeking his fourth consecutive win, was on an easy lead when Dan Charlino unleashed John Dutton before slipping back to the cones to save ground. That may have been decisive, as John Dutton shot the Lightning Lave to edge Heist by a head in 1:57.1. Georgias Passion completed the ticket.
Ron Burke trains John Dutton, a three-year-old What The Hill-Fast Love gelding who now boasts a career bankroll of $109,815, for Burke Racing Stable, Knox Services, Johnny Yoder and RAS Racing.
Elsewhere on Wednesday’s card, driving his first card since coming north from his Florida winter headquarters, Mike Wilder returned with a flourish, upsetting at 17-1 with the four-year-old mare Bet She Can Fly (Betting Line-Tidewaterdragonfly) for trainer Norm Parker and owner Myra Soukup. The time was a career-best 1:56.2.
Wilbur Yoder fashioned a training-driving double while Aaron Merriman and Hunter Myers each won twice on the 13-race card. Andy Rickert also had a pair of victories — one as a trainer, one as an owner.
Live racing at The Meadows continues Thursday with a trio of carryovers: $2,771.21 in the Early Pick 4, with the pool guaranteed at $7,500 (Race 1); $930.33 in the Early Pentafecta (Race 4); $1,432.37 in the Pick 5 (Race 9). First post is 12:45 p.m. (EDT).
(MSOA)