Washington, PA — Sparrow Hanover thwarted challengers throughout the mile and prevailed in Thursday’s (Dec. 21) feature at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, an $11,500 conditioned pace.

Although Sparrow Hanover was sent off the 1-9 favorite, his foes had no qualms about taking their shots. The most serious threat was the last, when Unhynged Speed knifed inside in deep stretch and loomed large. But Chris Lems kept Sparrow Hanover to his task, and the 3-year-old Captaintreacherous-Stacia Hanover gelding downed Unhynged Speed by a half length in 1:54.2 over a “good” surface. Mantador earned show.

Sparrow Hanover had no easy moments throughout the mile yet still prevailed at 1-9 in Thursday’s featured pace at The Meadows. Chris Gooden photo.

Dan Ross trains Sparrow Hanover, who has won six of 13 starts this year, for David Kapp.

Elsewhere on Thursday’s card, the eight-race winning streak of Muscle Jack came to an end when he was out-tripped by the pocket-sitting Cartier Zette and finished second. Dave Palone piloted the winner, a 9-year-old Muscle Hill-Liebchen gelding, for trainer James Dodson and owner Rocco Stebbins.

As they did Wednesday, Aaron Merriman and Palone each tallied three wins on the 13-race card.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Friday (Dec. 22); first post is 12:45 p.m.