by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Washington, PA — Tamarind grabbed the lead before the quarter and cruised through the slop to a convincing victory in Wednesday’s (May 18) $20,000 Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows.

Chris Gooden photos

Tamarind overcame the slop on Wednesday to take the Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows in 1:53.4.

Tamarind sat briefly in the pocket behind Chef Lee, but Aaron Merriman sent him to the point once the field settled. The 8-year-old son of Angus Hall-Spicegirl Kosmos had no serious challenges from there, scoring in 1:53.4. Chef Lee preserved second, 3-3/4 lengths back, while Lady’s Dude finished third. Bill Bercury trains and owns Tamarind, who now boasts $821,349 in career earnings.

In the $15,000 Winners Over $10,000 Life Trot, Trustworthy Kid came from well back to pounce on the weary leaders and down the rallying Cue Hall by 4-1/4 lengths in 1:55.1. Keystone Chester shot the Lightning Lane for show. Brian Zendt piloted the 7-year-old SJ’s Caviar-Penn Worthy Lane gelding, who soared over $400,000 in lifetime earnings, for owner/trainer Lisa Dunn.

Dave Palone collected four wins and Merriman three on the 13-race program.

Live racing at The Meadows resumes Saturday when the special Preakness Day card features the $116,304 Currier & Ives for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters as well as the $70,500 companion division for 3-year-old filly trotters. First post is 11:25 a.m.