Looped while trying for the early lead, Southern Allie persevered and reeled off a comfortable win in Tuesday’s $22,500 Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows

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Although Dave Palone sent Southern Allie for the front from Post 3, the five-year-old Allies Western-Pershing Angela gelding was left on the outside when Biletnikoff outraced him to the point. Rather than looking for a hole, Southern Allie pressed on until he grabbed the lead. He blistered the back half in :55.2 and scored in a sharp 1:51.3, three-quarter lengths better than Biletnikoff. The first-over Valentowner was third.

Ron Burke trains Southern Allie, who soared past $400,000 in career earnings, for Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi LLC.

Palone drove six winners — four for Burke — on the 15-race card.

(The Meadows)