by Adam Packard, for the Meadows

Meadow Lands, PA — Blissfull Knight, a 3-year-old pacing colt, defeated a field of seven preferred pacers on Saturday night (Dec. 16) at the Meadows, in 1:53.

Trained and driven to victory by Mike Wilder, Blissfull Knight has been no worse than second in his last nine starts. The son of Blissfull Hall has been moving up the ranks through the conditioned races at the Meadows, and finished first and second in the open pace the previous two weeks. He took on older in the $12,400 preferred pace on Saturday and came from next-to-last at the half to score the 2-1/4 length victory.

Execujet and driver Randy Tharps had the early lead, but paid a steep price to get there, being parked to the first quarter in :27.2 and hitting the half in :56.3. My Roomie and driver Dave Palone made a power move down the backside and cleared Execujet at the three-quarter pole marker. Blissfull Knight followed My Roomie’s move and Wilder braved his 3-year-old up, dropping him behind My Roomie around the final turn, then he turned him loose in the stretch. Blissfull Knight exploded past My Roomie and drew off in victory. Camcoder and Jim Shelton came from last to finish second, while Pembroke Flex finished third for driver Tony Hall.

Blissfull Knight has eight career victories in 38 starts. He has banked $45,685 for owners Judy Ferguson, Arlene Deets and Richard and Ruth Suda.