Four straight for Open Trot winner

WASHINGTON, PA, Oct. 25, 2024  — Looped from the gate and parked more than a quarter, Benjamin Hanover (Sebastian K S) persevered, dug in late and won his fourth straight harness racing contest in Friday’s $19,200 Open Handicap Trot at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Benjamin Hanover was returning from a sickness scratch, and when he endured that tough opening panel, the 4-year-old Sebastian K S-By A Neck Hanover gelding figured to be vulnerable late; that’s what Killer Instinct thought when he attacked first over from fourth. But Benjamin Hanover responded to the urging of harness racing driver Aaron Merriman and held off Killer Instinct by 3/4 lengths in 1:53.2. Early leader Guido D was third.

BENJAMIN HANOVER REPLAY

Sarah Andrews trains Benjamin Hanover, who has won 15 of 26 starts and $120,930 lifetime, and owns with Angela Cornell.

Friday’s companion feature, the $21,200 Open Handicap Pace, unfolded much like last week’s top pace — Surreal Ideal (So Surreal-Jkmusicofthenite) dropping in fourth from an outside post, challenging the leader, Wild Wild Western, first over and wearing him down late to prevail. Even the winning time, 1:49.3, was the same, although this week’s victory margin, 3/4 lengths, was narrower than last week’s. Santana Hanover finished third.

Hunter Myers drove the 6-year-old gelding for trainer Vernon Beachy and owners 518 Group LLC and Gitup Racing. Surreal Ideal triumphed for the fourth time in his last five starts and lifted his career bankroll to $317,868.

SURREAL IDEAL REPLAY

Dave Palone piloted four winners on the 13-race card while Myers and trainer Brandon Presto each fashioned a three-bagger.

Live racing at The Meadows resumes Wednesday, first post 12:45 PM.

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

by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association