Village Beat waited patiently in the pocket, then blitzed by the duelling leaders in the Lightning Lane to capture Tuesday’s $20,000 Winners Over Handicap Pace at The Meadows.
With Hickory Big Red and American Rage duking it out on the front, Dave Palone guided Village Beat inside, where he prevailed in 1:50.4 by three-quarters of a length. American Rage finished second, but was disqualified for interference in the stretch. That left the balance of the ticket to Hickory Big Red and Take It Back Terry.
Mike Palone trains Village Beat, a five-year-old Rocknroll Hanover-Village Baroque gelding who now boasts $231,676 in lifetime earnings, for Fran Azur.
Aaron Merriman drove four winners and Palone three on the 16-race card.
(With files from The Meadows)