She was racing off a three-month layoff, and her faltering cover didn’t take her where she wanted to go. Nevertheless, Blissfull Romance was the best in Friday’s $22,500 Filly & Mare Not Listed Preferred/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.

Blissfull Romance was away eighth for Dave Palone and still trailing by 4-1/2 lengths at the three-quarters. When Palone tipped her three wide, she brushed powerfully and scored in 1:54.4, a neck better than Prima Dragon. Early leader R Marie Hanover saved show.

Ron Burke trains Blissfull Romance, a six-year-old daughter of Blissfull Hall-Draconian Promise who lifted her career bankroll to $251,925, for Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC.

Jim Pantaleano and Palone each piloted three winners on the 12-race card.

The Meadows is dark Monday in observation of Presidents’ Day. Live racing resumes Tuesday at 12:55 p.m.

(The Meadows)