by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Washington, PA — Moving three wide through the final turn, Doctor RJ zipped through the sloppy stretch and scored an 8-1 upset victory in Saturday’s (Jan. 16) $22,500 Winners Over $10,000 Life Pace at The Meadows.

As is his custom, Doctor RJ got away near the back of the pack. But when Eric Goodell showed him racetrack, the 7-year-old Real Artist-Informant gelding nailed the leader, Unlocked, in the final strides and defeated him by a nose in 1:53.4. Achilles Blue Chip rallied for show.

Paul Kennedy trains Doctor RJ, who extended his career bankroll to $215,710, for Keith Pippi and Robyn Kennedy.

Tony Hall, Dave Palone and Jim Pantaleano each piloted three winners on the 15-race card.