Jeffery P got a second-quarter breather — and needed every bit of it, as he was forced to dig in late to preserve his fourth straight victory in Thursday’s $16,000 Open Handicap Trot at The Meadows.
After a swift :27.2 opening panel, Dave Palone gave Jeffery P a leisurely 30 second quarter. Even so, he was unable to open any distance on the field and was all out to down Rising MVP, who was charging through the Lightning Lane, by three-quarters of a length in 1:54.2. The first-over Icanflylikeanangel was a well-meant third.
Ron Burke trains Jeffery P, a six-year-old Full Count-Betty Jean gelding who lifted his lifetime bankroll to $283,503, for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Phillip Collura.
Brady Brown, Aaron Merriman and Palone each piloted three winners on the 14-race card.
Friday’s 14-race program at The Meadows kicks off Adios Season, with the Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids set for July 24 and July 31. The card begins with a special 5 p.m. post time and features wiener dog races, food trucks and Family Fun Night. On the wagering front, the program offers an $18,663.11 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5.
(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)