Early Move Puts Bettis In Winning Position

Published: February 9, 2011 11:13 pm EST

Bettis powered to the lead past the quarter and went on to an easy victory — the fifth in his last seven outings — in Wednesday’s $22,500 Preferred Handicap Trot at

The Meadows.

When Diamond Hunter fronted the first panel in a slowish :29.4, Aaron Merriman recognized the leisurely fraction and moved the 3-5 favourite to the front from fourth. The six-year-old son of Sierra Kosmos-SJs Shad Roe never was challenged thereafter, prevailing in 1:56.2 over a “good” track. Diamond Hunter saved place, 2-1/2 lengths back, with Caviar Crown third.

David Wade trains Bettis, who extended his career bankroll to $190,222, and owns with William Peel III and Gerald Brittingham.

Dave Palone drove four winners — three for trainer Ron Burke — while Merriman and Eric Ledford enjoyed triples on the 13-race card.

(The Meadows)

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