Fifth time a charm at The Meadows

Don't tell Marty's Charm that horses have no thumbs. He got one for the thumb Friday at The Meadows when he won his fifth straight all, in $25,000 Preferred or Preferred Handicap events.

Unraced until 2008, Marty's Charm began his career as a closer, looking for opportunities late. As the 5-year-old gelding gained experience and confidence, Randy Tharps was more willing to cut him loose early. Thus, each of the victories in his current streak has been on or near the front.

On Friday, Tharps sent him to the lead from post position eight. Marty's Charm thwarted several challenges and scored in 1:54.1, 3/4 lengths better than the ground-saving Lite Me Up. Atochia closed well to be third in his debut as a 4-year-old.

Paul Corey trains and Martha and Gerald Baluck own Marty's Charm, a son of Aces N Sevens-Bets Mae who has won 16 of 29 lifetime starts. Mike Wilder drove four winners on the 13-race card. (The Meadows)

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