Palone's Happy Birthday
Dave Palone celebrated his 47th birthday in style Friday at The Meadows, driving seven winners on the 14-race card that included a sweep of the three divisions of the Early Call
, a late-closing series for three and four-year-old filly and mare pacers. Ron Burke trains all three division winners, giving him a sweep as well.
Fastest of the three $12,000 opening-leg divisions was turned in by JK Reunited, who endured a parked-out first panel yet scored in 1:55.2 by a widening 3-1/2 lengths. Playful Terror rallied from well back to be second while Gentle Dragon saved show.
Sylvia Burke, Weaver-Bruscemi LLC, JJK Stables and M1 Stable own JK Reunited, a four-year-old daughter of Bettors Delight-JK On Broadway. Star Of India and Serenity Hanover took the other series splits.
The $25,000 Preferred Handicap Pace was icing on the cake for Palone, who worked out an effective cover trip for Beau Rivage N from post position 8. Beau Rivage N earned his second straight victory in the Preferred, prevailing by a head in 1:53.2. Biletnikoff and Itsjustabeginning finished in a dead heat for place.
Scot Davidson trains and Harry von Knoblauch owns Beau Rivage N, a seven-year-old gelded son of Village Jasper-Glimmering.
Click here to view the charted lines from Friday.
(The Meadows)