Agenda Tom Ridge wins Meadows series final

Unhurried early, Agenda Tom Ridge launched a powerful first-over bid from fourth, avoided the breaking leader and went on to a comfortable victory in Thursday’s $26,400 final of the Hidden Viggorish Trot, a series for 3-year-old fillies, at The Meadows.
 
Winning driver Dave Palone said his strategy was to find a seat out of the gate for Agenda Tom Ridge, who endured a parked-out first quarter in her place finish in last week’s preliminary leg.
 
“She was on the lead last week and was hitting the bike, so my intention was to race her off the trot,” Palone said.
 
Even with her determined uncovered move, the task wasn’t done for the daughter of Tom Ridge-Agenda Hanover, who maintained her momentum while skirting the off-stride Pearly Princess and Tony Hall.
 
“Tony’s horse made an unexpected break, and I was lucky to get around her without getting impeded,” Palone said. “Once I cleared, I thought I pretty much had it in hand. She’s so good when you can save for a half mile. I think she can be a sires stake filly. She’s become much more manageable to drive.”
 
Agenda Tom Ridge scored in 1:58, a lifetime best, 3/4 lengths better than Rosey Chick, with Flawless Lindy third. Ron Burke trains Agenda Tom Ridge for Fulton Nine Partners.
 
In the $25,000 Preferred Handicap Trot, Diamond Hunter charged through the Lightning Lane for Eric Ledford to triumph in 1:55.1. Rembrandt Spur, who on April 9 dead-heated with Diamond Hunter in world-record time, fell a nose short of repeating that feat while 38-1 Winning Mister completed the ticket.
 
Jeff Cox trains Diamond Hunter,a 5-year-old Fortunefivehundred-Erikas First Lady gelding, for Sherree Cox and Richard McNutt.
 
Palone drove five winners and Brett Miller three on the 14-race card. (The Meadows)