Washington, PA — Black Magic, who rallied to win his career opener, came back with speed to score in Friday’s (June 25) Pop Up Series at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Drive to Deliver took the other $8,000 opening-leg division in the event for 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters.

Black Magic continued his winning ways on Friday night with a game victory in The Meadows Pop Up Series. Chris Gooden Photo.

Black Magic got away second for Chris Lems but wasted little time quarter-poling to the lead. From there, it was strictly no contest, as the son of Full Count-Glisten Hanover triumphed by a measured 1-1/2 lengths in 1:57.2. Battin Athousand (Brady Brown) and Austral Hanover (Anthony MacDonald) completed the ticket.

Steve Cross trains Black Magic for Richard Gutnick, Thomas Pontone and Joseph Lozito, Jr.

Drive To Deliver also used quick early speed to land in the two hole, then outkicked 1-5 favorite Fashion Presidente (Anthony MacDonald) to down him by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:58.2. County Cong (Brian Zendt) finished third. Brady Brown piloted Drive To Deliver, a Fordham Road-Diamond Creek gelding, for owner/trainer/breeder Roger Hammer.

Dave Palone collected three wins to lift his career total to 19,998. He’ll continue his drive to 20,000 Saturday when he has a scheduled assignment in all 11 races.

That program Saturday features the $57,335 Currier & Ives for 3-year-old filly trotters. On the wagering front, the card offers a pair of carryovers: $25,967.24 in the Jackpot Pick 5 (race 4), $4,064.34 in the final-race Super Hi-5. First post is 12:45 p.m.