Icanflylikeanangel out-duelled Perlucky for the early lead, and then blunted his rival’s late charge to capture Monday’s $20,000 Open Handicap Trot at The Meadows.

 

The pocket-sitting Perlucky moved wide for the stretch drive and appeared well positioned to brush past Icanflylikeanangel. But the six-year-old Archangel-Fox Valley London gelding would have none of it, digging deep to hold off Perlucky by three-quarters of a length in 1:54.3 for Mike Wilder. Final Breath earned show.

 

Randy Bendis trains Icanflylikeanangel, who lifted his lifetime bankroll to $337,736, and owns with Pollack Racing LLC.

 

Tony Hall piloted four winners on the 13-race card while Dave Palone and Wilder each fashioned a triple.

 

Live racing at The Meadows continues Tuesday when the program features a trio of rich wagering opportunities: a $7,797.41 carryover in the final-race Super Hi 5; a $5,000 total-pool guarantee in the Pick 4 (races 3-6); a $953.03 carryover in the Pick 5 (races 2-6). First post is 1:05 p.m.

 

(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)