Washington, PA — Lady’s Dude opened a sizable lead in the stretch, allowing him to score under wraps in Wednesday’s (Dec. 30) $16,200 Open Handicap Trot at The Meadows, the track’s closing-day feature.

Lady’s Dude cruised home in 1:54.4. Chris Gooden photo.

Lady’s Dude had the opportunity to drop in third before the quarter, but Tony Hall elected to keep the 9-year-old Victory Sam-Lady’s Star gelding marching to the point. It proved a wise choice, as Lady’s Dude cruised home in 1:54.4, three-quarters of a length better than Jeffery P, who rallied inside. Maewegonow finished third.

Ron Burke trains Lady’s Dude, who won for the 51st time and lifted his lifetime bankroll to $854,090, for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi and Johnny Yoder. It was one of four victories for Hall on the 13-race card.

The Meadows kicks off its 2021 live racing season Wednesday (Jan. 6), first post 12:45 p.m.