by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Washington, PA — Chef Lee had little trouble reaching the point in the compact field of four, but he had to dig in late to preserve his second straight victory in Monday’s (Sept. 17) feature at The Meadows, a $13,000 conditioned trot.

Chris Gooden photo

Chef Lee was a 1:55.4 winner over the sloppy surface.

Mike Wilder gave Chef Lee a comfortable :29.3 second quarter, but he couldn’t shake the pocket-sitting Explosive Leggs, who fell a half-length short in the Lightning Lane, with Mac Deeno a ground-saving third. Winning time for the 6-year-old Cantab Hall-Summer Savory gelding was 1:55.4 over a sloppy surface.

Norm Parker owns and trains Chef Lee, who lifted his career bankroll to $360,165.

Dave Palone collected four wins and Wilder three on the 12-race card.