Four divisions of the Keystone Classic for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings were contested at The Meadows on Tuesday afternoon, and Dave Palone put on a driving clinic.
Wambam Sam delivered on his 1-5 pari-mutuel promise in his $33,800 assignment for the duo of trainer George Teague Jr. and driver Dave Palone. The son of Real Artist stopped the clock in a career-best clocking of 1:53.3. Tidewater Tomahawk was second and Allamerican Master rounded out the top three.
George Teague Jr. Inc. of Harrington, DE shares ownership on the career winner of $49,877 with Let Me Out Stable LLC of River Vale, NJ. He has put together a 2-1-1 record in his first four starts.
Precious Medal gave Palone his second stakes win of the afternoon thanks to his 1:53.3 victory in his $33,800 division. Tony Alagna trains the homebred son of Allamerican Ingot for Tanah Merah Farms LLC of Springfield, IL.
Doubleshotascotch completed the Exactor ticket and Magicmaker Hanover grabbed the show dough. The lion's share of the purse lifted Precious Medal's earnings to $98,170. He owns a 3-2-1 record in his first nine attempts.
Sand Benelli front-stepped to a 1:53.1 score in his $34,200 tilt for trainer Jim Arledge Jr. and driver Brett Miller. The son of The Panderosa chopped out panels of :26.3, :56 and 1:23.4 before kicking home in :28.2 to defeat Upfront Hoosierboy and Buggsy Yankee.
It was the second win in 12 starts for the roan gelding, who races for the partnership of Bill Sanders, Jon Mantooth, Whitney Mantooth and Joseph Evans. The pacer now boasts $81,702 in earnings.
Buckeye Nation gave driver Dave Palone his third stakes win on the matinee program thanks to his 1:54 victory in his $34,200 division. The son of Allamerican Native, who races under the guidance of trainer Robert Reynolds Jr., defeated Rays Western and Lahaye.
Sent off as the 2-5 favourite, Buckeye Nation improved to 5-2-0 in nine starts for owner Kevin Reynolds of Shickshinny, PA. The $17,100 payday lifted his earnings to $98,000 with the win.