Up in class after two straight wins, Tequila Talkin extended his streak with the aid of the Lightning Lane in Friday’s $17,600 Open Handicap Trot at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.
Icanflylikeanangel did the heavy lifting on the front end but had to focus on the first-over challenge of Joey. While those two duelled, Dave Palone pointed Tequila Talkin to the Lightning Lane, where he poured through and prevailed in a career-best 1:53.4. Joey persevered for second, three lengths back, while Icanflylikeanangel saved show.
Ron Burke has trained Tequila Talkin, a seven-year-old Cantab Hall-Margarita Nights gelding with more than $250,000 in lifetime earnings, for his three recent wins for the ownership group of Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi LLC.
Palone piloted three winners on the 11-race card while the team of Ridge Warren, trainer Lester Mullett and owner Chris Hostetler enjoyed a double.
Live racing at The Meadows continues Saturday when the 11-race program features the $96,884 Currier & Ives for three-year-old colt and gelding trotters. On the wagering front, the card offers a $19,425.44 carryover in the Jackpot Pick 5 (Race 4). First post is 12:45 p.m.
(With files from MSOA)