By Evan Pattak For The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association “Horsemen Helping Horsemen”
Parked twice during the mile, Killer Instinct persevered and narrowly captured Thursday’s feature at The Meadows, a $15,900 Conditioned Trot.
Sent off the 4-5 favorite, Killer Instinct was accorded little respect by his rivals, who hung him when he tried for the early lead. After slipping into the three spot along the cones, he moved first over and was denied again. But Hunter Myers kept the 6-year-old Southwind Frank-Wheely Quick gelding going, and he surged in front of Passionate Promise to down him by a head in 1:53.1. Stay Close finished third.
Melanie O’Donnell trains Killer Instinct, who now has banked $398,383 lifetime, and owns with Corey Hendricks.
Dave Palone collected four wins and Aaron Merriman three on the 13-race card.
The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA) is a nonprofit organization that represents the interests of approximately 700 Standardbred trainers, drivers, caretakers and owners at The Meadows. In addition to providing horses to race at The Meadows, MSOA administers such member-centric services as health insurance and retirement programs for horsemen and horsewomen.