by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows
Washington, PA — Wilberforce followed livecover, then exploded out of the final turn to capture Wednesday’s (June 28) featureat The Meadows, an $11,500 Conditioned Trot.
Wilberforce was fifth down the backside whenDave Palone moved him behind the first-over Tall Cotton. When his coverstalled, the 5-year-old Caviar Crown-Rose Run Imprint gelding went wide andfound another gear, scoring in 1:54.3. Tricky Nick chased Wilberforce home tobe second, 2-1/4 lengths back, while Monte Cristo Spur rallied for show.
Kris Rickert conditions Wilberforce, who nowboasts $180,786 in career earnings, and owns with Dale Wareham.
Aaron Merriman collected five wins on the12-race card for as many trainers — Joelene Christman, Bill Daugherty, Jr., SalDigati, Jeff Hochstetler and Bill Rhoades.