Washington, PA — Windsong Leo worked out a cozy pocket trip and then roared through the Lightning Lane to capture Thursday’s (Feb. 25) $16,200 Open Handicap Pace at The Meadows.

Windsong Leo rode the pocket to victory in Thursday’s Open Handicap Pace at The Meadows. Chris Gooden photo.

Wild Wild Western made the point with a quarter-pole move and withstood the first-over challenge of Carolina Beach. But the danger was lurking on his bumper, where Windsong Leo and Dave Palone were waiting. The 9-year-old Jereme’s Jet-Windsong Goldie gelding scored in 1:51.4, three-quarters of a length better than Rock Candy, also in the Lightning Lane. Wild Wild Western saved show. The winner survived an inquiry regarding a possible pylon violation.

Ron Burke trains Windsong Leo, who won for the 59th time in his career and pushed his earnings to $694,907, for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Phillip Collura.

Palone collected six wins and Burke five on the 13-race card. Ronnie Wrenn Jr. also enjoyed a big Thursday with three victories.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Friday (Feb. 26), when the 13-race program features a $22,855.98 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5. First post is 12:45 p.m.