Phoenix Warrior N overpowered a distinguished field in route to his second-straight victory — and 11th this year — in the $18,000 Preferred Handicap Pace Saturday, Sept. 8 at The Meadows.
A :27.1 opening panel in the slop tested him but Phoenix Warrior N opened a daylight lead for Jim Pantaleano and prevailed in 1:51.1, one-and-a-quarter lengths better than Windsong Leo, who rallied from an early break to earn second. The pocket-sitting Vague Traces was third.
Scott Betts trains Phoenix Warrior N, an eight-year-old Jeremes Jet Never Walk Alone gelding who now boasts $324,823 in career earnings, for Timothy Betts, Nick Catalano and Stephen Moss.
Aaron Merriman had eight drives on Saturday’s program and made the most of them, collecting five wins, a second and a pair of fourths. Two of those victories were for trainer Bill Rhoades and owner Leah Rhoades. Dave Palone, Pantaleano and trainer Marcus Marashian each enjoyed a triple on the 13-race card.
Live racing at The Meadows resumes Monday, Sept. 10 featuring a pair of Keystone Classics — a $92,499 stake for two-year-old colt and gelding trotters and an $82,700 event for freshman filly pacers. First post is 1:05 p.m.
(With files from The Meadows)