Washington, PA — Emerald’s Legacy refused to yield the lead to two early challengers — and it turned out to be the winning decision, as he went on to widen that lead late and capture a division of Thursday’s (Sept. 15) Keystone Classic at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Troycen took the other split in the $46,350 stakes event for 3-year-old male trotters.

While Emerald’s Legacy was trying to protect rail position, he was confronted by Kosher Mahoney and Southwind Caine to his outside. Winning driver Dave Palone kept the pedal to the metal with the Father Patrick-Devilish Emerald gelding.

“I would have been content to follow one horse, but there were two leaving, and I didn’t want to get away worse than second,” Palone said. “I thought I would just bounce along and take my best chance on the lead. He was really good. He sprinted home well within himself. I think this horse will be a terrific aged trotter.”

Emerald’s Legacy was insistent on the early lead, and he maintained it throughout his Keystone Classic split.

No other credible challengers emerged, and Emerald’s Legacy triumphed in 1:54.2, 2-3/4 lengths better than Kosher Mahoney. Ice Breakers K completed the ticket.

Scott Betts trains Emerald’s Legacy for Tim Betts, Nick Catalano, Keith Pippi and the colt’s breeder, Shanamphilaniklou Inc.

Bigly, a 35-1 bomber, stretched Troycen early, keeping him outside for the first three-eighths, then challenged him from the pocket in the lane. But the Cantab Hall-Love My Muscles gelding was up to the task for Ronnie Wrenn Jr., downing Bigly by a neck in 1:56. Torrone was third.

“He seemed like a very willing colt,” Wrenn said. “Once I got to the front, he did the rest. He was pretty handy.”

Troycen remained resolute under late pressure to score in the other Keystone Classic division. Chris Gooden photos.

Ron Burke trains Troycen, who now has won two straight races since adding hopples, for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Frank Canzone.

Palone and Betts each enjoyed a three-bagger on the 12-race card.

Friday’s (Sept. 16) 12-race program at The Meadows features a $50,950 Keystone Classic for 3-year-old pacing fillies. On the wagering front, the card offers a $763.71 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5. First post is 5:10 p.m.