Tamarind grabbed the lead before the quarter and cruised through the slop to a convincing victory in Wednesday’s $20,000 Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows.
Tamarind sat briefly in the pocket behind Chef Lee, but Aaron Merriman sent him to the point once the field settled. The eight-year-old son of Angus Hall-Spicegirl Kosmos had no serious challenges from there, scoring in 1:53.4. Chef Lee preserved second, three and three-quarter lengths back, while Ladys Dude finished third. Bill Bercury trains and owns Tamarind, who now boasts $820,723 in career earnings.
In the $15,000 Winners Over $10,000 Life Trot, Trustworthy Kid came from well back to pounce on the weary leaders and down the rallying Cue Hall by four and a quarter lengths in 1:55.1. Keystone Chester shot the Lightning Lane for show. Brian Zendt piloted the seven-year-old SJs Caviar-Penn Worthy Lane gelding, who soared over $400,000 in lifetime earnings, for owner/trainer Lisa Dunn.
Dave Palone collected four wins and Merriman three on the 13-race program.
Live racing at The Meadows resumes Saturday when the special Preakness Day card features the $116,304 Currier & Ives for three-year-old colt and gelding trotters as well as the $70,500 companion division for three-year-old filly trotters. First post is 11:25 a.m.
(With files from The Meadows)