Woodbine invader Bella Palazzo ($6.30) overcame a second-row dispatch to capture the featured $8,500 Preferred 3 trotting event on Tuesday (November 21) at The Raceway at Western Fair District, lifting from the pocket to collar odds-on pacesetter Star Photo in the final strides and give Bob McClure one of five driving wins on the 10-race card.
McClure kept the six-year-old Tom Ridge mare right on the helmet of Alfie Carroll, who sent 4-5 favourite Star Photo to an easy early lead from the pole position. After directly tracking early splits of :29.2 and 1:00.1 over good going, Bella Palazzo was boxed up the far side by the first-over Eagle Scout (Robert Shepherd). As Eagle Scout’s bid came to its conclusion nearing the home turn, Bella Palazzo swung out from the pocket and was urged to collar Star Photo by half a length in 2:01.1. Kennel Buddy (Bruce Richardson) circled three-wide around stalled flow to take third, another 2-1/2 lengths in arrears.
Clinton Guitard trains 30-time winner Bella Palazzo for the Pod Stable, LLC of Ohio.
McClure, who leads all drivers nationwide in seasonal wins, also reached the London winner’s enclosure with Thats Mia Bad ($3.10, 1:58.2), Exodus Seelster ($4.40, 1:59.3), She Sports Style ($7.60, 2:03.2), and Hes Gone Badder ($2.40, 1:58.4).
To view Tuesday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Tuesday Results – The Raceway at Western Fair District.