Returning from a layoff of nearly 10 weeks, Lucky Bettor got just the pocket trip he needed before charging through the Lightning Lane and capturing Tuesday’s $22,500 Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows

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Although Lucky Bettor hadn’t raced since June 12, Dave Palone sent him to the lead, where he yielded to Biletnikoff, who was seeking his third straight victory. They raced that way until the stretch, where Lucky Bettor poured through inside to score in a sharp 1:50.2, three-quarter lengths better than Biletnikoff. Red Hot Scandal rallied inside for show.

Ron Burke trains Lucky Bettor, a seven-year-old Bettors Delight-Hornby Lucky gelding who now boasts career earnings of $742,944, for Burke Racing Stable, JJK Stables and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. Palone and Burke teamed for three winners on the 15-race card.

(The Meadows)