Si Bon Hall, a three-race maiden entering the race, made a bold first-over bid to the lead and went on to a handy victory in a division of a $50,000 Pennsylvania Stallion Series stake Monday at The Meadows
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Liz captured the other split in the event for two-year-old trotting fillies. Dave Palone drove both division winners.
Si Bon Hall was no worse than third in her three previous outings but had fallen short late in her miles. Finishing well was no problem for her in the stake, as she powered to the lead down the backside and scored in 1:59.3, 1-1/2 lengths better than One Chexy Lady. MS Heather M was third.
“My biggest concern with her was having the rail,” Palone said. “She’s very hot, and I just didn’t want to make a mistake leaving. She won pretty well within herself. I was happy with her. She’s getting a little stronger and more willing each time.”
Fred Grant trains Si Bon Hall, a daughter of Broadway Hall-Sumpin Sweet, for Walnut Hall Limited.
Liz hadn’t raced for five weeks and had to battle Sabana Hanover for the early lead. Neither circumstance bothered her, as she cruised to victory by three lengths in 2:00.2, a lifetime best. Sabana Hanover held second over the first-up Tactical Caviar.
“There really weren’t any more races for her, so I decided to freshen her up and qualify her a couple times to keep her sharp,” said Tabitha Teresczuk, who trains the homebred daughter of SJs Photo-Susannah for Bob Slowey and Carl Konieczny. “It seemed to help her. This is the right level for her right now. She was unsure of herself earlier in the year, so I wanted to put her somewhere where she could build her confidence.”
In the $27,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Pace, Natalie atoned for a costly break at the wire last week when she parlayed a good draw and a strong uncovered move to victory in 1:52. Dont Blame Her was a length back in second, with Spring Break third.
Tony Hall piloted the four-year-old daughter of Jennas Beach Boy-Armbro Redwood for trainer Kevin McDermott and owner Fran Azur.
Palone, Aaron Merriman and Brett Miller each drove three winners on the 16-race card of harness racing.
(The Meadows)