by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Washington, PA — Looped from the gate, Phoenix Warrior N nevertheless overpowered a distinguished field en route to his second straight victory — and 11th this year — in Saturday’s (Sept. 8) $18,000 Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.

Chris Gooden photo

Phoenix Warrior N takes the featured event at The Meadows in 1:51.1.

A :27.1 opening panel in the slop tested him, but Phoenix Warrior N opened a daylight lead for Jim Pantaleano and prevailed in 1:51.1, 1-1/4 lengths better than Windsong Leo, who rallied from an early break to earn place. The pocket-sitting Vague Traces was third.

Scott Betts trains Phoenix Warrior N, an 8-year-old Jereme’s Jet Never Walk Alone gelding who now boasts $324,823 in career earnings, for Timothy Betts, Nick Catalano and Stephen Moss.

Aaron Merriman had eight drives on Saturday’s program and made the most of them, collecting five wins, a second and a pair of fourths. Two of those victories were for trainer Bill Rhoades and owner Leah Rhoades.

Dave Palone, Pantaleano and trainer Marcus Marashian each enjoyed a triple on the 13-race card.

Live racing at The Meadows resumes Monday, when the card features a pair of Keystone Classics — a $92,499 stake for 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters and an $82,700 event for freshman filly pacers. First post is 1:05 p.m.