Washington, PA  — Black Hope relentlessly pursued the leader, Stay Close, first over and edged past in the shadow of the wire to capture his third straight in Friday’s (Sept. 1) feature at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, a $15,900 Conditioned Trot.

Black Hope picked up the win by a head in the feature today at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows in a career-best 1:53.1. Chris Gooden photo.

Black Hope was fourth down the backside when Dave Palone tipped him off the cones. Stay Close led by 1-1/2 lengths at the top of the lane, and it appeared he might prevail. But when Black Hope surged late, he downed Stay Close by a head in a career-best 1:53.1. Spicy Nugget rallied for show.

Ron Burke trains Black Hope, a 4-year-old Bar Hopping-Blacksirenpedia gelding who extended his lifetime bankroll to $131,935, for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Phillip Collura.

Palone piloted four winners on the 12-race card while Burke, Brady Bown and trainer Justin Pirillo each enjoyed a triple.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Saturday (Sept. 2) when the 11-race program features a $548.65 carryover in the Early Pentafecta (race 4). First post is 12:45 p.m.