Last at the half and facing a tough journey in the slop, Southern Allie unleashed a relentless first-over move to capture his second straight victory -- and fourth in his last five races -- in Friday’s $18,000 Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.
Southern Allie trailed by seven and a half lengths when Eric Ledford sent him after the leader, Dedis Dragon, who was making his first start of 2013. He needed every bit of stretch to do it, but Southern Allie nailed Dedis Dragon by a nose in 1:54, with early leader Brooklyn Flight a close-up third.
Randy Bendis trains Southern Allie, a seven-year-old Allies Western-Pershing Angela gelding who now boasts $688,019 in career earnings, and co-owns with Tom Pollack, Jack Piatt II and R. Lewis Hauber.
Dave Palone drove four winners and Aaron Merriman three on the 14-race card while Tyler Stillings collected training and driving doubles.
(The Meadows)