Terry Altmeyer Memorial Series underway at The Meadows

WASHINGTON, PA, April 14, 2023 — Commander Frank (Southwind Frank-Lady Athens) quarter-poled to the top and made it look easy from there, capturing an opening-leg harness racing division of Friday’s (Apr. 13) Terry Altmeyer Memorial at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Fire N Lightning (Bar Hopping-Cantabs Lightning) took the other $12,500 split in the series for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters.

Commander Frank tried racing without hopples last week in his season debut but broke stride, prompting trainer Norm Parker to restore the equipment for the series.

He was perfectly mannered for Mike Wilder, who shook the reins lightly at him to get him home in a career-best in 1:54.3. Long shot Biscoe finished second, 1-3/4 lengths back, with the first-over Lloyd Wright third.

Tom Brice, Bart Brice, Charles Receski and Ed Receski campaign Commander Frank.

COMMANDER FRANK REPLAY

Fire N Lightning (Bar Hopping) trotted patiently in the pocket, then zipped through the Lightning Lane to defeat Big Boy Ernest by a neck in 1:54.4, a lifetime mark.

Early leader Express Man completed the ticket. Brian Zendt piloted the gelding, who triumphed for the fourth time in 10 outings, for trainer Bill Zendt and owner Gary Saul.

FIRE N LIGHTNING REPLAY

In Friday’s $19,300 Open Handicap Trot, Emerald’s Legacy (Father Patrick-Devilish Emerald) overtook the hard-used Tequila Talkin in deep stretch to score in 1:52.1, fastest mile this year by a 4-year-old gelding on a five-eighths-mile track.

The time by the 4-year-old gelding was just two ticks off the all-age track record. Dave Palone drove for trainer Scott Betts and owners Tim Betts, Nick Catalano and Shanamphilaniklou.

EMERALD’S LEGACY REPLAY

Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. collected four wins on the 12-race card, including a pair for trainer Ron Burke.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Saturday when the 12-race program features a pair of carryovers: $2,708.62 in the Early Pick 4 (race 1), $557.12 in the Pick 5 (race 8). First post is 12:45 PM.

For complete race results, click here.

by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association