The Meadows: Emerald's Legacy, Troycen win Keystone Classic tests

Emerald's Legacy refused to yield the lead to two early challengers - the winning decision, as it turned out, as he went on to widen that lead late and capture a division of Thursday's Keystone Classic at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. Troycen took the other split in the $46,350 stake for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters.

While Emerald's Legacy was trying to protect rail position, he was confronted by Kosher Mahoney and Southwind Caine outside him. Winning driver Dave Palone kept the pedal to the metal.

"I would have been content to follow one horse, but there were two leaving, and I didn't want to get away worse than second," Palone said. "I thought I would just bounce along and take my best chance on the lead. He was really good. He sprinted home well within himself. I think this horse will be a terrific aged trotter."

No other credible challengers emerged, and Emerald's Legacy triumphed in 1:54 2/5, 2 3/4 lengths better than Kosher Mahoney. Ice Breakers K completed the ticket.

Scott Betts trains Emerald's Legacy, a Father Patrick gelding, for Tim Betts, Nick Catalano, Keith Pippi and the colt's breeder, Shanamphilaniklou, Inc.

Bigly, a 35-1 bomber, stretched Troycen early, keeping him outside for the first three-eighths, then challenged him from the pocket in the lane. But the Cantab Hall-Love My Muscles gelding was up to the task for Ronnie Wrenn Jr., downing Bigly by a neck in 1:56. Torrone was third.

"He seemed like a very willing colt," Wrenn said. "Once I got to the front, he did the rest. He was pretty handy."

Ron Burke trains Troycen, who now has won two straight since adding hopples, for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Frank Canzone.

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Palone and Betts each enjoyed a three-bagger on the 12-race card.

Friday's 12-race program at The Meadows features a $50,950 Keystone Classic for 3-year-old filly pacers.

--press release (MSOA)--