Washington, PA — Distant Drums hustled to the lead from post 7, flicked off a pair of mild challenges and rolled to his fourth straight victory in Wednesday’s (July 3) feature at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, an $11,500 Conditioned Trot.

Distant Drums winning Wednesday’s feature at The Meadows, giving Mike Wilder career victory 9.000. Chris Gooden photo.

Once Mike Wilder got Distant Drums — the 1-9 favorite — to the point, the 5-year-old Trixton-Altar Gal gelding did the rest himself. Nail Driver and Goo For Broke made late bids outside, but Distant Drums turned them aside under wraps, triumphing in 1:54.3. During his current win streak, his combined four-race victory margin is 21-3/4 lengths.

Lonely Lakewood was 8-1/4 lengths back in second, with Nail Driver third. Distant Drums may have remained calm, but Wilder had ample reason to celebrate, as it was the 9,000th win of his distinguished career.

Sarah Andrews trains Distant Drums for Matthew Miller.

Dave Palone and Wilder each piloted three winners on the 13-race card.

The Independence Day card Thursday at The Meadows promises fireworks, as it features a pair of stakes for freshman filly pacers: a $180,221 Pennsylvania Sires Stake and a $100,000 PA Stallion Series event. First post is 12:45 p.m.