Captain Sully lands Meadows victory

Captain Sully, who gained valuable experience in New York stakes, put that seasoning to good use on Monday at The Meadows when he captured a division of the A.W. Capone, a series for 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters.

 

Though winless in his Empire State outings, Captain Sully showed that he learned his lessons well. The son of Conway Hall-Too Good For You made a quarter-pole move for Dave Palone and confidently strode off to a maiden-breaking victory in 1:58.1. Tusca Spur was three lengths back, in second, with B Winner K third. Mark Harder trains Captain Sully for Stable 45.

 

Ellisarro Hanover, the 1-9 favorite in the other $12,000 division of the series’ first leg, had little trouble disposing of his field, winning wire to wire for Ray Paver in 2:00, 3 1/4 lengths better than Mr. Moonlight. JJ’s Fantasy Colt completed the ticket.

 

Randy Bendis trains and owns the gelded son of SJ’s Photo-Esmeralda Hanover with Bill Varney.

 

The series is named for the late A. William “Bill” Capone, longtime Meadows breeder and owner and a leader of the Meadows Standardbred Owners’ Association. He also served as chairman of the Duquesne University Board of Directors.

 

In the $27,500 Fillies and Mares Open pace, Jans Luck won a three-way battle for the early lead but was all out to hold off the Lightning Lane charge of Osborne’s Gypsy, who fell a nose short. A hard-used Natalie was third in the 1:51.4 mile.

 

Palone drove the 5-year-old daughter of Camluck-Jans Scooter for trainer Ron Burke and owners Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, JJK Stables and M1 Stable. Jans Luck now has won 28 races over the last two seasons.

 

Palone and Dick Stillings each drove three winners on the 15-race card. (The Meadows)