Emeralds Legacy refused to yield the lead to two early challengers — the winning decision, as it turned out, as he went on to widen that lead late and capture a division of Thursday’s Keystone Classic at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Troycen took the other split in the $46,350 stakes for three-year-old colt and gelding trotters.
While Emeralds Legacy (pictured above) was trying to protect pylon position, he was confronted by Kosher Mahoney and Southwind Caine outside him. Winning driver Dave Palone kept the pedal to the metal.
“I would have been content to follow one horse, but there were two leaving and I didn’t want to get away worse than second,” said Palone. “I thought I would just bounce along and take my best chance on the lead. He was really good. He sprinted home well within himself. I think this horse will be a terrific aged trotter.”
No other credible challengers emerged, and Emeralds Legacy triumphed in 1:54.2, 2-3/4 lengths better than Kosher Mahoney. Ice Breakers K completed the ticket.
Scott Betts trains Emeralds Legacy, a Father Patrick gelding, for Tim Betts, Nick Catalano, Keith Pippi and the colt’s breeder, Shanamphilaniklou Inc.
Bigly, a 35-1 bomber, stretched Troycen early, keeping him outside for the first three-eighths then challenged him from the pocket in the lane. But the Cantab Hall-Love My Muscles gelding was up to the task for Ronnie Wrenn Jr., downing Bigly by a neck in 1:56. Torrone was third.
“He seemed like a very willing colt,” said Wrenn. “Once I got to the front, he did the rest. He was pretty handy.”
Ron Burke trains Troycen, who now has won two straight since adding hopples, for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Frank Canzone.
Palone and Betts each enjoyed a three-bagger on the 12-race card.
Friday’s 12-race program at The Meadows features a $50,950 Keystone Classic for three-year-old filly pacers. On the wagering front, the card offers a $763.71 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5. First post is 5:10 p.m.
(MSOA)