Lunar rockets past favorite in Meadows feature

WASHINGTON, PA, Jan. 5, 2024 — Making only his second start in more than 13 months, 10-1 Lunar (Sweet Lou-Crescent City) outkicked the 1-9 favorite, Chase H Hanover, to pull off the upset in Friday’s (Jan. 5) $19,200 Open Handicap harness racing pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Lunar stalked Chase H Hanover from the pocket, and the 6-year-old gelding vaulted by when Dan Charlino tipped him wide for the drive. Semi Tough rallied for second, 1-1/2 lengths back, while Chase H Hanover saved show. Winning time was 1:50.3.

LUNAR REPLAY

Michael Burke, who swept the exacta, trains Lunar, who won for the 12^th time in 24 career outings and soared over $100,000 in earnings, for Burke Racing Stable, Phillip Collura, Knox Services and J&T Silva-Purnel & Libby.

Dave Palone piloted four winners on the 13-race card while Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. and trainer Brandon Presto each enjoyed a triple.

Live racing at The Meadows resumes Wednesday when the program features a $1,819.60 carryover in the Early Pentafecta (race 4). First post is 12:45 PM.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association