Dave is up front with Bethann

The Pennsylvania Sire Stakes provided an unusual tableau of romance and mystery Monday night at The Meadows when Dave Palone won a division with Up Front Bethann, a freshman filly pacer named for his wife, then waited nervously while the judges considered disqualifying the lovebirds.

The $136,459 stake known as the Sand Tart was contested over nine divisions. Pasta Lavista, Makerbark, Pangoon, Caviart Vegas, Bon Mot, Ms Mae West, Rusty Again and Dark Secret took the other splits.

Last year, owner C. Ed Mullinax named a number of horses for Palone and members of Palone's family.

“He loves Bethann to death,” Palone said. “When this turned out to be his best filly, he thought he'd give her a swing.”

The daughter of Dragon Again, trained by Kelly O'Donnell, swung through the “Lightning Lane” to score an apparent two-length victory in 1:55.4 over Saymynamesaymyname, with Intrinsic Value finishing third.

Then Palone's number flashed.

“I guess I ticked a pylon,” Palone said. “She wears a Daisy roll, and she's real green about going sideways.”

After several agonizing moments, the judges decided that Up Front Bethann had indeed swerved inside a pylon but had not gained material advantage in so doing. The order was undisturbed, although Palone was fined.

“It was a well spent $25,” Palone said.

The romance and finance of pursuing a champion also played a role in the victory of Pasta Lavista. Last year, 88-year-old owner Bill White of White Creek Stable dispatched trainer Bruce Riegle on the yearling trail to find a top prospect.

What they got for $140,000 was a Western Hanover beauty out of Mattaroni, the 2-year-old filly pacer of the year in 1998. In the Sand Tart, Pasta Lavista began to pay dividends on that investment, moving to the lead before the quarter for Randy Tharps and winning handily in 1:55.1, fastest split of the stake. Pembroke Lil was 2 1/2 lengths back in second, with Real Nasty Miss closing for third.

Riegle said Pasta Lavista is eligible for most major stakes but won't compete in the Breeders Crown. Because that event occurs so late this season, he said, it would require more starts for the filly than the dozen he has planned.

The victory of Makerbark was shaped not by romance or finance but by mischance, or near mischance anyway. Trainer-driver Roger Hammer meant to consign another filly pacer to the Delaware sale last fall but mistakenly listed Makerbark instead. Only a late tattoo check enabled Hammer to reverse the error.

Hammer acquired the daughter of Dragon Again for owner Claire A. Corle for $2,900 at the Chesapeake yearling auction. What did he like best about her?

“The $2,900,” Hammer said. “I figured we could give her a try, and if we had to sell her, we still could make $5,000 or $6,000.” (The Meadows)

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