Trailing by two lengths at the top of the lane, Gung Ho exploded with a wide burst that carried him past the leader, Liteningonthebeach, and on to a narrow victory — his second straight — in the Friday, June 14 feature at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, a $21,781 conditioned pace.
Gung Ho was content to save ground in fifth while Liteningonthebeach was throwing down an ambitious 1:22 three-quarters. But when Justin Walters asked him for pace, the four-year-old Captaintreacherous-Silky gelding found another gear and edged Liteningonthebach by a head in a career-best 1:50. So Many Roads finished third.
Ron Burke trains Gung Ho, who lifted his lifetime bankroll to $172,260, for Burke Racing Stable, M1 Stable, Elizabeth Jones and Beasty LLC.
Hunter Myers and Dave Palone each enjoyed a triple on the 12-race card.
Live harness racing at The Meadows continues on Saturday, when the program features the $97,854 USD Currier & Ives for three-year-old colt and gelding trotters (races six and eight). On the wagering front, the card offers a pair of carryovers: $674.17 in the Early Pentafecta (race four) and $382.87 in the Pick 5 (race nine). First post is 12:45 p.m.
(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)