Forced to pace the first quarter in a sizzling :25.4, Noble Falcon found the speed and stamina to hold off a clutch of closers and capture the $27,500 Preferred Handicap on Tuesday at The Meadows.
Sent to the lead by Eric Ledford, Noble Falcon was hard used to pass the equally eager Biletnikoff, who finally released him after that withering opening panel. Pressed inside by Biletnikoff and outside by the rallying Atochia, Noble Falcon dug in and scored in 1:51.1. Biletnikoff was a neck back in second, with Atochia third.
Kevin McDermott trains Noble Falcon, a 5-year-old gelded son of Nobleland Sam-Falcon Ground who pushed his career bankroll to $582,325 for Fran Azur. The place finish extended the seconditis streak of Biletnikoff to five; he has lost those races by the combined margin of three necks, a head and a nose.
Dave Palone and Mike Wilder enjoyed driving triples on the 15-race card. (The Meadows)
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