Atta Boy Dan surrendered the lead at the three-quarters but found another gear late as he captured his second straight in Wednesday’s $20,000 Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.
A parked-out :27.1 opening panel made Atta Boy Dan vulnerable to the first-over bid of Royal Heart, who was able to cross over and move a length in front. When Dave Palone asked Atta Boy Dan for more, the six-year-old Western Terror-Dropitlikeitshot gelding surged through the Lightning Lane, scoring in 1:53. Dew N Doughnuts was second, half a length back, while Royal Heart saved show.
Ron Burke trains Atta Boy Dan, who extended his career bankroll to $235,560, for Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi, LLC.
Tony Hall and Palone each piloted three winners on the 14-race card.
(The Meadows)