Voila American was parked to the quarter and later shuffled to fourth, but the 10-1 outsider completed his unorthodox path to the winner's circle by tracking down Vivid Photo in the stretch in Wednesday’s $25,000 Preferred Handicap Trot at
The Meadows.
Tony Hall sent Voila American to the lead from Post 7, but the determined Vivid Photo and Roger Hammer wouldn’t release him. Voila American eased into the pocket and found himself trailing by 2-1/2 lengths at the top of the stretch. As they straightened for the drive, Voila American and Wind Surfer each set sail after Vivid Photo, with Voila American prevailing by a nose in 1:56.1 over a “good” surface. Wind Surfer edged Vivid Photo for place.
Jim Arledge, Jr. trains and Bob Key leases Voila American, a five-year-old son of Varenne-Sweet American who now boasts $166,701 in career earnings.
Though Vivid Photo was forced to settle for show, the race was a creditable season debut for the eight-year-old gelding, the 2005 Hambletonian winner and divisional champion who pushed his career bankroll to $3,127,813.
Hall drove four winners on the 15-race card while Eric Ledford and Dave Palone each fashioned a three-bagger.
(The Meadows)