by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Washington, PA — “Mighty” Matt Zuccarello moved Stardust Memories three wide before the three-quarters and kept him live in the stretch to capture Saturday’s (Nov. 5) $10,000 C.K.G. Billings Trot at The Meadows.

The event for amateur drivers was the final preliminary leg in the Midwestern Region, with the regional championship set for Dayton next week.

Chris Gooden photo

Matt Zuccarello and Stardust Memories were Billings Series winners on Saturday.

Stardust Memories was challenged in the lane by Michelle “The Belle” Ruvola and Upfront Chip Daddy but under Zuccarello’s urging was able to prevail by three-quarters of a length in 1:59.2. Bob “The Lumberman” Troyer (Heza Rube) rallied for show.

Marcus Marashian trains Stardust Memories, a 7-year-old Cantab Hall-Ms Stone gelding who extended his career bankroll to $131,532.

Elsewhere on Saturday’s card, Kingofthejungle captured the $13,500 Winners Over $10,000 Life Pace when he slipped back to the cones for a backside breather, then out-finished Doctor RJ to defeat him by a length in 1:51.2. Early leader Easy Again saved show.

Tony Hall piloted the 5-year-old Well Said-Allamerican Calico gelding, who now boasts career earnings of $338,816, for trainer Jack Smith and owners Fox Racing Inc. and Darius Oshidar.

Aaron Merriman and trainer Jack Smith each enjoyed a triple on the 13-race card.