Banjo Picker gets lead – and keeps it

Power by Leigh pressed odds-on favorite Banjo Picker coming out of the gate, and that was about the only test the favorite faced en route to winning the $75,000 Le Grande Pos Handicap for Pennsylvania-breds by 3 1/2 lengths.

Banjo Picker shook off Power by Lee with a quick 21.75-second first quarter and opened a 2 1/2-length lead at the half in 44.42. His time for the 5 1/2 furlongs was a quick 1:04.21, and he paid $3.20.

Power by Leigh, the 7-2 third choice in the betting, held second by 2 3/4 lengths over second-choice Geefour in the field of five.

Tara Hemmings rode Banjo Picker for trainer Steve Krebs and owner Danny Limongelli. Banjo Picker, 8, got his 14th win in 38 starts. He is now 12-6-4 in 30 starts at Philadelphia Park.