Washington, PA – Carolina Beach worked hard for the early lead, then held off the Lightning Lane charge of K Ryan Bluechip to capture his second straight victory in Friday’s (Jan. 17) $20,000 Open Handicap Pace at The Meadows.

K Ryan Bluechip stretched out Carolina Beach to a :27 opening panel before settling into the pocket. In the stretch, however, Carolina Beach had just enough of his diminishing lead to down K Ryan Bluechip by a neck in 1:51.2 for Aaron Merriman. Do Work Son, who was out without cover before the half, was a well-meant third.

Carolina Beach outlasted K Ryan Bluechip in the feature today at the Meadows. Chris Gooden photo.

Bill Bercury trains Carolina Beach, a 6-year-old Somebeachsomewhere-Laughandbehappy gelding who lifted his career bankroll to $331,093, for Renee Bercury.

Dave Palone piloted six winners on the 13-race card while trainer Ron Burke fashioned a triple.

Live racing at The Meadows resumes Monday (Jan. 20) when the program features a $3,626.95 carryover in the final-race Super Hi 5. First post is 1:05 p.m.