by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Meadow Lands, PA — Axson Hanover squandered a seven length lead, then found enough moxie to rally late and take his division of Tuesday’s (March 11) opening leg of the West Chestnut Street Trot at the Meadows.

Also winning $10,000 divisions of the late closing series for 3- and 4-year old colt, horse and gelding trotters were Sand Allistar, who recorded the fastest time of 1:58.2, and Pembroke Lane.

Dave Palone drove nine winners on the 16-race card. He achieved the victories — including four consecutive from post position one — in 14 drives.

Harold Brocklehurst, who trains and leases Axson Hanover, pushed the 4-year-old gelded son of Lindy Lane to that daylight lead in the first quarter. But Southern Hooray launched a furious uncovered bid that vaulted him four lengths ahead of Axson Hanover.

Somehow, Brocklehurst gathered Axson Hanover, and they passed Southern Hooray while drawing off to an in-hand victory. The time was 1:58.4. Southern Hooray saved second ahead of Rose Run Ichabod.

The final leg of the series, named for a prominent thoroughfare in Washington, Pa., is set for March 25.