Captain Sully, who gained valuable experience in New York Sire Stakes, put that seasoning to good use yesterday at the Meadows when he captured an opening-leg division of the A.W. Capone, a series for two-year-old colt and gelding trotters.
Though winless in his Empire State outings, Captain Sully showed that he learned his lessons well. The son of Conway Hall--Too Good For You made a quarter-pole move for Dave Palone and confidently strode off to a maiden-breaking victory in 1:58.1. Tusca Spur was three lengths back in second, with B Winner K third. Mark Harder trains Captain Sully for Stable 45.
Ellisarro Hanover, the 1-9 favourite in the other $12,000 division, had little trouble disposing of his field, winning wire to wire for Ray Paver in 2:00, three and a quarter-length better than Mr Moonlight. JJs Fantasy Colt completed the ticket.
Randy Bendis trains and owns Ellisarro Hanover, a gelded son of SJs Photo--Esmeralda Hanover, with Bill Varney.
The series is named for the late A. William 'Bill' Capone, longtime Meadows breeder and owner and a leader of the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association. He also served as chairman of the Duquesne University Board of Directors.
(With files from the Meadows)