Dancin Dragon sat comfortably in the pocket behind the duelling leaders, and then blew by in the lane to capture Monday’s $17,900 Open Handicap Pace in a career-best 1:49.3.
While the first-over Rock Candy threw down a protracted challenge to Windsong Leo on the point, Dancin Dragon and Jim Pantaleano were saving ground in the pocket. When Rock Candy finally backed off at the top of the lane, Dancin Dragon wheeled by Windsong Leo and downed him by 3/4 lengths. Major Nemesis came from far back for show.
Randy Bendis conditions Dancin Dragon, a five-year-old Dragon Again-Mcdance Desire gelding who lifted his bankroll to $271,625, and owns with Pollack Racing LLC.
Dave Palone and Mike Wilder each collected three wins on the 14-race card.
Tuesday’s 15-race program at The Meadows features a trio of rich wagering opportunities: a $5,014.15 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5; a $5,000 total pool guarantee for the Early Pick 4 (race 3); a $2,025.10 carryover in the early Pick 5 (race 2). First post is 12:45 p.m.
(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)