The Dark Shadow thwarted Bilbo Hanover twice — once in the first quarter and again in the last — en route to victory in Monday’s feature at The Meadows, a $13,000 conditioned pace.
The Dark Shadow would not release Bilbo Hanover in their duel for the early lead, forcing him to drop in third. The game challenger tried again with a first-over bid, but The Dark Shadow drew off under Dave Palone’s urging and downed Bilbo Hanover by 2-1/2 lengths in 1:52.3. Dew N Doughnuts was a ground-saving third.
Ron Burke trains The Dark Shadow, a four-year-old Shadow Play-Bestofbothworlds gelding who extended his career bankroll to $133,313, for Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi LLC.
Palone collected three wins on the 10-race card while Aaron Merriman and trainer Clay Faurot, Jr. teamed for a pair of victories.
Live racing at The Meadows resumes Tuesday, when the card features a pair of carryovers — a $3,144.45 carryover in the day’s first Superfecta and a $1,583.50 carryover in the Pick 5 (races 6-10).
(The Meadows)