Joey zipped to the lead from post 5 and thwarted a pair of late challenges to capture Friday’s $17,600 Open Handicap Trot at The Meadows.
Hammered down to 1-2 in the wagering, Joey was threatened inside and outside in the stretch. But the six-year-old Yankee Glide-Jodies Jayme gelding responded for Brian Zendt, holding off the Lightning Lane charge of the pocket-sitting Mind Yown Business in 1:55 over a sloppy surface. Rising MVP. Who loomed menacingly outside, settled for show.
Leslie Zendt conditions Joey, who extended his lifetime bankroll to $135,133, and owns with Bill Zendt.
Dave Palone and Mike Wilder each collected three wins on the 13-race card.
Live racing at The Meadows continues Saturday when the 12-race program features a $1,232.46 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5. First post is 12:45 p.m.
(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)