Washington, PA — “Soarin’” Lauren Harmon hadn’t sat behind Macho Martini before and so didn’t know what to expect when she sent him first over after the lead. But he responded willingly, and the pair rolled home to victory in Friday’s $9,000 leg of the Great Lakes Amateur Driving Association Trot at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Lauren Harmon and Macho Martini scored in 1:55.2. Chris Gooden photo.

Thestable Macho Martini, one of Anthony MacDonald’s fractional ownership groups, acquired the 4-year-od son of Muscle Mass-Peach Martini earlier this week before sending him to trainer Tim Twaddle. In that situation, what was Harmon’s approach?

“I try to just listen to the trainer,” said Harmon, who last week won a pair of amateur events at the Delaware County Fair. “Anthony gave me some advice, although he’s never driven the horse either. I just tried to see what the horse wanted to do and went from there.”

Harmon subdued the stubborn Floyd “The Roper” Rhodes (Another Breath) in mid-stretch, defeating him by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:55.2. Tom “Mayhem” Svrcek (Berkery J) and Bob “Bomber” Barnard (Luvcrunchess) completed the ticket.

Macho Martini now boasts a career bankroll of $398,425.

Live racing at The Meadows resumes Tuesday when the program features a pair of carryovers: $657.86 in the Jackpot Pick-5 (race four), $418.40 in the final-race Super Hi-5. First post is 12:45 p.m.