Refreshed by a second-quarter breather, Donatover blitzed the back half in :56.2 and cruised to victory in Thursday’s feature at The Meadows, a $12,100 conditioned trot.
Donatover was parked in a :28 opening panel while gaining the lead. But when Dave Palone gave him a mild :29 second quarter, the six-year-old Donato Hanover-Anonyme Hanover gelding had little trouble repelling the outside challengers and scoring in 1:53.2. Keystone Chaos rallied for second, two lengths back, while Mystical Peter was a ground-saving third.
Tim Twaddle trains Donatover, who lifted his lifetime bankroll to $270,923, for Micki Rae Stables. The win was one of three for Palone on the 12-race card.
Live racing at The Meadows continues Friday when the 14-race program — the first race is an early non-wagering event — features the $200,000 Pennsylvania Fairs Championships. On the wagering front, the program offers a $19,247.24 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5. Special fall/winter post time is 4 p.m.
(With files from MSOA)