Stuck outside for most of the mile but following live cover, Ontario-sired Camille zipped through the slop in the stretch and collected an impressive victory in Friday’s $24,800 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.
The race figured to be a challenge for Camille, as she had been off a month and was assigned post nine. But Dave Palone positioned her behind R Marie Hanover, who was parked out but advancing. Camille made the decisive, three-wide move at the three-quarters, gobbling up the leaders and scoring in 1:53.2. Novascotia Hanover rallied for second, four and three-quarter lengths back, while R Marie Hanover persevered for show.
Ron Burke trains Camille, a seven-year-old daughter of Camluck-Art Of Design who soared over $1.2 million in career earnings, for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, M1 Stable and Jack Piatt III.
Palone drove four winners, including three for Burke, on the 12-race card.
(With files from The Meadows)