Former claimer Fox Valley Armor wins at The Meadows

A high-priced claimer for most of the year, Fox Valley Armor may have left those ranks behind forever when he captured Monday’s $22,500 Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows for his fifth consecutive victory.
 
Fox Valley Armor won a single race in 2009 but has been much sharper this year, working his way up to the $30,000 claiming level and finally to Monday’s Preferred Handicap. He got away smartly for Tony Hall, sat patiently in the pocket behind Pedro Island and blew by in the lane to down that rival by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:51.1. War Boots was a rallying third.
 
Andy Rickert trains Fox Valley Armor, an 8-year-old Sportsmaster-Sew With Silk gelding who pushed his career bankroll to $442,469, for Bethie Murdock.
 
In Monday’s companion feature, the $22,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot, Tom’s OK Lady made short work of the field when she got comfortable fractions for Dave Palone and scored handily in 1:56.1. Caviar Forthe Lady was a clear second, 1-3/4 lengths back, with 57-1 AJ’s Baby third.
 

Ron Burke trains the 7-year-old daughter of Inquirer-This Gal’s OK, who now boasts $612,587 in lifetime earnings, for Burke Racing Stable, M1 Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Bethann Palone.

Dave Palone drove six winners and Mike Wilder four on the 15-race card. (The Meadows)