by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Washington, PA — Final Breath retook the lead past the quarter, then held off a pair of determined challengers as he captured Wednesday’s (Feb. 10) $20,000 Winners Over $10,000 Life Trot at The Meadows.

I Know My Chip took the initial shot at Final Breath with a first-over backside move that faltered turning for home. Then Tamarind attacked the leader with a Lightning Lane charge. But Final Breath gave Dave Palone just enough to prevail in 1:55.2 over a “good” surface, a nose better than Tamarind. TSM Photo Bugger rallied for show.

Mike Palone trains Final Breath, a 6-year-old Victory Sam-First Breath gelding who extended his career bankroll to $356,503, for Duane Lowe.

Aaron Merriman collected five wins and Palone three on the 15-race card.