Buried at the pylons entering the stretch, Rockin Ron exploited a suddenly vacant Lightning Lane and scored an 8-1 upset in Saturday’s $22,500 Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.
A newcomer to The Meadows who’d been off since Nov. 8, Rockin Ron figured to get no more than a minor award when he was shuffled to fifth. But when Capital Account pulled the pocket for the drive, the four-year-old Real Desire-Im All A Roan gelding charged through the Lightning Lane for Dave Palone and triumphed in 1:52.2, one and three-quarter lengths better than early leader Mattamerican. Bestinthebusiness rallied for show.
Ron Burke trains Rockin Ron, who extended his career bankroll to $136,168, for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and RTC Stables. It was one of five wins for Palone on the 15-race card that included a pair each for Burke and trainer Jack Smith.
(The Meadows)