Washington, PA — Hammered down to 1-5, Stay Close looked every bit the heavy favorite, leading every step in Wednesday’s (Oct. 25) feature at The Meadows, a $15,900 Conditioned Trot.

Stay Close winning Wednesday’s feature at The Meadows for Anthony MacDonald. Chris Gooden photo.

Once Anthony MacDonald gave Stay Close a :29.2 second-quarter breather, he had little trouble holding off the lightning lane challenge of Spicy Nugget, downing him by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:54.1. Guido Di was a ground-saving third.

Tim Twaddle trains Stay Close, a 6-year-old Father Patrick-Tori Ann gelding who now boasts a career bankroll of $156,851, for TheStable Stay Close Group.

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

Live racing at The Meadows continues Thursday (Oct. 26) when the 13-race program features a pair of carryovers: $2,302.21 in the Early Pentafecta (race 4), $1.119.34 in the Pick-5 (race 9). First post is 12:45 p.m.