by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Washington, PA — Widest and fastest in the lane, Latest Desire captured his second straight — and fifth in the last seven — in Friday’s (Dec. 23) $20,000 Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.

Chris Gooden photo

Latest Desire collects his second straight featured contest at The Meadows in 1:52.2 on Friday afternoon at The Meadows.

Latest Desire was third-over down the backside when Jim Pantaleano decided the 6-year-old Real Desire-Latest Design gelding needed to see racetrack. It was the winning move as Latest Desire found a new gear, tracked down the leader, Atta Boy Dan, and edged him by a nose in 1:52.2. The first-over Dapper Dude was third.

Dirk Simpson trains Latest Desire, who now boasts $363,936 in career earnings, for Steven Newcom and Larry Taylor.

Aaron Merriman piloted five winners and Pantaleano three on the 12-race card.