Washington, PA — Jeffery P got a second-quarter breather — and needed every bit of it, as he was forced to dig in late to preserve his fourth straight victory in Thursday’s (July 15) $16,000 Open Handicap Trot at The Meadows.

Jeffery P dug in resolutely to repel the inside challenge of Rising MVP for his fourth consecutive win. Chris Gooden photo.

After a swift 2:7.2 opening panel, Dave Palone gave Jeffery P a leisurely :30 second quarter. Even so, he was unable to open any distance on the field and was all-out to parry Rising MVP, who charged through the Lightning Lane, by three-quarters of a length in 1:54.2. The first-over Icanflylikeanangel was a well-meant third.

Ron Burke trains Jeffery P, a 6-year-old Full Count-Betty Jean gelding who lifted his lifetime bankroll to $283,503, for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Phillip Collura.

Brady Brown, Aaron Merriman and Palone each piloted three winners on the 14-race card.

Friday’s (July 16) 14-race program at The Meadows kicks off Adios Season, with the Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids set for July 24 and July 31. The card begins with a special 5 p.m. post time and features wiener dog races, food trucks and Family Fun Night. On the wagering front, the program offers an $18,663.11 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5.