No use being 'Idle' in the Arden

Marooned on the far outside in a field of promising 2-year-olds, Idle Hour responded with his most impressive effort yet, using a pair of moves to score in 1:52.2 in a division of the $89,244 Arden Downs Pace on Saturday afternoon.

The event, known as the Gov. David L. Lawrence, was contested over four divisions. Upfront Hannahsboy, The Iceman Came and first-time starter Its That Time took the other splits. Trainer George Teague, Jr. scored a double with Idle Hour and The Iceman Came.Idle Hour had lost only once in four career starts, narrowly beaten by his stablemate Moon Beam in the Reynolds, but had to leave from post position nine on Saturday. Winning driver Dave Palone guided the son of Dragon Again to an early seat in fifth, then set out after the leaders, Truponder and John Campbell, down the backside.

“When room opened, I thought about ducking him behind John,” Palone said, “but he wouldn’t have any of it. He said, 'Let’s go get ’em now.' What a pleasure it is to drive a horse with that kind of attitude.”

The mile was the fastest this year by a freshman pacing colt on a five-eighths-mile track.

Truponder preserved second while Western Outfitter survived an inquiry to secure show.

Teague trains Idle Hour for Shanika Lea-Ann Wesley, Shamika Ann Wesley and Teague Inc.

Upfront Hannahsboy left effectively for Mike Wilder, picked up cover from Chester Square and outkicked that rival late to score in 1:53, lowering his lifetime mark by 1-2/5 seconds.

“He’s sure been a surprise,” said Jim Arledge, Jr., who trains the son of Dragon Again for C. Ed Mullinax. “Early, he was kind of a laid back, easygoing colt, never got serious. Now he’s turning into wanting to be a racehorse.”

My Wagons Dragon closed in a sharp :27.4 to secure place, three-quarters of a length off the winner, while Chester Square saved show. (The Meadows)

« Back