After finishing second a week ago behind All Bets Off, who was establishing a national-season’s record of 1:48, Western Fame appeared more than ready to win the $20,000 Preferred Handicap for pacers, which he did, in 1:49.1.
Driver Andy McCarthy put the five-year-old son of Western Ideal on the lead just after the quarter and was then permitted to rate the middle half in :55.3 before sprinting home in :26.1 to win for trainer Jimmy Takter. Emeritus Maximus was a length back in second. Bettors Edge finished third.
As the 4-5 favourite, Western Fame paid $3.80 to win.
A LITTLE MORE: One lucky player wagering into the Oregon hub was the only holder of a winning 20-Cent Survivor Pick-10 ticket, and for surviving all 10 legs of the wager, he or she walked away with $13,953.
All-source wagering on the 11-race card totaled $1,764,225.
The Late 20-Cent Jackpot Super High-Five failed to result in a single-ticket winner, upping the carryover to $258,907.
Racing resumes at the Big M Friday, June 22 at 7:15 p.m.
(With files from the Meadowlands)