Washington, PA — Spring Inhis Step A moved powerfully first over, overtook Chase H Hanover in the stretch and captured Friday’s (Dec. 29) closing-day co-feature, the $21,200 Open Handicap Pace, at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Spring Inhis Step A made a powerful first over move to win by a length in one of the co-features at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Chris Gooden photo.

Chase H Hanover was seeking his fourth straight win, but Spring Inhis Step and Aaron Merriman had other ideas when they set sail from sixth. Spring Inhis Step A wore down Chase H Hanover and downed him by a length in 1:50.2. Smooth Baht A finished third.

Jeff Cullipher trains the winner, a 6-year-old Somebeachsomewhere-Summa Of Dreams gelding who pushed his career bankroll to $170,257, and owns with Pollack Racing LLC.

In the other closing-day co-feature, the $21,200 Open Handicap Trot, The Hazelton quarter-poled to the top and jogged from there, prevailing in a career-best 1:53 for Ronnie Wrenn, Jr., trainer Michael Burke and owners Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. Emerald’s Legacy rallied for second, beaten 2-3/4 lengths, with Ponda Adventure third. The 3-year-old Muscle Mass-Too Good For You gelding now boasts a lifetime bankroll of $189,436.

The Hazelton posted a career best 1:53 and trotted to a 2-3/4 length victory over Emerald’s Legacy. Chris Gooden photo.

Elsewhere on Friday’s card, 14-year-old Marty Monkhauser A, racing two days before his mandatory retirement, tried to go out in a blaze of glory — and he nearly did, leading the field for more than three-quarters. But those 331 career starts may have taken their toll late, and the gallant warrior faded to fourth for Merriman and owner/trainer Scot Davidson. Marty Monkhouser A retires with $740,827 in earnings.

Jeremy Indof piloted four winners on the 14-race card.

The Meadows kicks off its 2024 season Wednesday (Jan. 3). First post 12:45 p.m.