First-time starter Cashmere N Caviar handled the experience of night racing like a seasoned pro yesterday at the Meadows, as she effortlessly erased a six and a half-length deficit to capture a Keystone Classic division.
The $107,002 event for freshman trotting fillies was contested over three divisions. Tango Dancer and Bold And Fresh won the other splits. Dave Palone enjoyed a stakes driving double with Cashmere N Caviar and Tango Dancer.
Hammered down to 4-5 on the strength of a single qualifier, Cashmere N Caviar settled in willingly before Palone moved her uncovered down the backside. She grabbed the lead before the stretch and drew off to triumph in 1:58, five and a quarter lengths better than Lady Taggetha. My Good Side was an even third.
Mike Palone trains the daughter of SJs Caviar--Ladyinfocus for Marcello Ducci.
Tango Dancer also crafted a facile victory — her second straight win — getting away a comfortable third before powering to the lead down the backside. She scored in a career-best 1:57.1, three lengths ahead of Cantabulous. Red Rum Lass finished a distant third. Jim Campbell trains the daughter of Broadway Hall--Giant Step for Fashion Farms.
Bold And Fresh, a daughter of SJs Caviar--Odre Coucou who was winless in three lifetime starts entering the Keystone Classic, worked out a pocket trip before shooting the lightning lane to prevail in 1:57.2 for driver Charlie Norris, trainer Doug Miller and owner Donald Bartling. Devilish Emerald was second and Decolletage third.
Palone drove five winners and Brian Zendt three on the 15-race card.
(Meadows)