by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Meadow Lands, PA — Four Starz Speed not only survived a wicked :26.4 first quarter in Tuesday’s (March 31) $25,000 Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows, but he also went on to score in 1:54, a track record for 4-year-old geldings.

Dave Palone gunned Four Starz Speed to the front, a mission abetted by the break of 2005 Hambletonian winner Vivid Photo, who continues to seek his initial 2009 victory after three starts. Lolique settled into the pocket and challenged in the stretch, falling a nose short. Primo Spur came from far back to finish third.

The mile shaved a tick from the previous track record established last year by Heza Challenger. It was the fastest mile this year for any 4-year-old gelding trotter on a five-eighths-mile track and a career best for Four Starz Speed.

Ron Burke trains Four Starz Speed, a 4-year-old son of Conway Hall-Lotstoliveupto, for Burke Racing Stable, Howard Taylor, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and JJK Stables.

In the $25,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot, I’m Justa Lady, who had raced just once this year and was dismissed at 15-1, prevailed by 1-1/2 lengths by parking 3-10 favorite Afternoon Dreams to the quarter, then out-kicking her in the lane. That ended dreams of an undefeated season for Afternoon Dreams, who had won all five of her 2009 starts — a streak spanning two series at Woodbine — but had to settle for place Tuesday. Whotookwhat was third.

Tony Hall drove I’m Justa Lady, an 8-year-old daughter of Inquirer-Quite Becoming, for trainer Bill Daumit and owners Patricia Daumit and Janet Collins. It was the 57th win in 171 career races for I’m Justa Lady.

Palone drove four winners on the 15-race card.