Dave Palone and Dan Charlino sparkled Monday at The Meadows, though they shined in slightly different ways.
Palone rolled up seven wins on the 12-race card, including four for trainer Ron Burke.
Charlino rolled up one win, but it was big. Not only did it occur in the day’s feature, the $20,000 Preferred Handicap Pace captured by Hawks Red Chief, but it also was Charlino’s first victory at The Meadows since he returned from leg injuries that sidelined him more than five months.
When Charlino and Hawks Red Chief got away sixth, it looked like an unenviable spot, as the field raced double tiered for most of the mile, giving Hawks Red Chief no way off the pylons. But as they turned for home, the Lightning Lane beckoned, and the six-year-old I Scoot Hanover-Fancy Trouble shot through to edge Atta Boy Dan by a nose in 1:52.3. Gokudo Hanover rallied for show.
Hawks Red Chief extended his career bankroll to $165,207 for Burke, who ended the day with a five-bagger, and owners Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Michelle Yanek.
(The Meadows)