by Adam Packard, for the Meadows
Meadow Lands, PA — The sixth race, a $9,000 Preferred Trot, is the featured race on Thursday night (January 20) at the Meadows.
Striking Gator, owned and trained by Richard Beinhauer, is the 8-5 morning line favorite for driver Brian Zendt. In last week’s effort, Striking Gator came up a little short in his final quarter-mile and finished second by one and one-quarter lengths after cutting the mile. Getting parked to the first quarter hampered Striking Gator’s chances last week, but from post position four this week and with little early speed inside, he should get solid early position. Striking Gator won a Preferred Trot two starts back from post eight in 1:57.3. He has a lifetime best of 1:55.1 and has banked $225,352 in his career.
CR Pants On Fire sat a garden trip behind Striking Gator last week, but never posed a threat in the lane, and faded to finish third by six lengths. The seven-year-old gelding won a lower conditioned race two starts back in 1:59.1 with Dave Palone driving. Palone will be steering this week as well.
Stars Photo, owned by William Varney, has been slightly off his game in his last three starts, finishing six, fourth, and fourth. The eight-year-old gelded trotter won 19 times in 2004 and is very capable of winning this race even with the recent bad form. Mike Wilder will drive for trainer Randy Bendis.
Post time for the 11 race program is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.