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)