Joey is pocket-rocket in feature trot

WASHINGTON, PA, Dec. 9, 2021 —Even-money favorite Joey converted a pocket trip to a Lightning Lane victory in Thursday’s harness racing co-feature at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, a $12,100 Conditioned Trot.

Joey and Brian Zendt waited patiently while Mystical Peter did the heavy lifting on the front end, throwing down three-quarters in 1:26. Mystical Peter went down grudgingly, but Joey was a head better in 1:54.2. Tequila Talkin completed the ticket.

Leslie Zendt trains Joey, a 6-year-old Yankee Glide-Jodi’s Jayme gelding who extended his lifetime bankroll to $192,708 and owns with Bill Zendt Stables.

JOEY REPLAY

In Thursday’s co-feature, also a $12,100 Conditioned Trot, Just Like Magic was carried wide by a breaker through the first turn but still prevailed in 1:56.1 for Hunter Myers. The 4-year-old Dontyouforgetit-Trainedfordancin gelding vaulted over $100,000 in career earnings for trainer Joelene Christman, who owns with Mark Christman.

Elsewhere on Thursday’s card, trainer Kaylee Martin notched her first career pari-mutuel win with Heytherwillie. Prior to that victory, Martin, 19, had won seven races at as many venues on the Pennsylvania Fairs Circuit, which doesn’t offer betting. Martin owns the 2-year-old Possess The Will-Heythergeorgiegirl gelding trotter with Jodi Martin and Fred Uber, Jr.

Dave Palone piloted four winners on the 12-race card.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Friday when the 12-race program features a $10,775.04 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5. First post is 12:45 PM.

For full race results, click here.

By Evan Pattak, for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association