Gabbys Wild Child slowly gained on the leader, Just Like Magic, through the stretch, finally inching by at the wire to pull off the 12-1 upset in Thursday’s feature at The Meadows, a $10,100 conditioned trot.
Just Like Magic unleashed a determined first-over bid from fifth that carried him to the top, but that move provided cover for Gabbys Wild Child and Mike Wilder. The four-year-old Triumphant Caviar-Gabbys Creditcard gelding prevailed by a nose in a career-fastest 1:56.1, with early leader Walkingintherain third.
Justin Pirillo trains the winner for Fox Racing Inc. and RBH Ventures Inc.
Drivers Aaron Merriman, Dave Palone and Wilder joined trainers Randy Bendis, Dana Kahrig and Susan Sickle with two wins apiece on the 12-race card.
Live racing at The Meadows continues Friday when the 13-race program features four Pennsylvania Sires Stake championships for two-year-olds, each carrying a purse of $253,000. On the wagering front, the card offers a $59,035.47 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5. First post is 12:45 p.m.
(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)