by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Washington, PA — Winning Mister survived a stiff challenge from an unexpected source as well as a judges’ inquiry en route to victory in Monday’s (June 11) $22,500 Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows.

Winning Mister dueled with Sir Caviar for the early lead, forced to go :26.3 to get there. Although Sir Caviar broke stride in the lane, Winning Mister and Dave Palone still had to contend with Big And Little, a 9-1 outsider who was relentless first over. Winning Mister defeated the upstart by a head in 1:54.1 — but only after the judges certified that the 6-year-old son of Angus Hall-Winning Missbrenda did not violate any pylon rules. Rembrandt Spur was third.

Rich Gillock trains Winning Mister, who has won 12 of 15 starts this year and $1,051,320 in his career, for owner/breeder Bob Key.

Palone drove three winners on the 16-race card, bringing his career victory total to 15,135 as he pursues Herve Filion’s North American record of 15,180.