Palone reaches No. 2 on all-time win list

Dave Palone, inducted Sunday into harness racing’s Living Hall of Fame, added another jewel to his crown Monday at The Meadows when he became the second leading driver, by wins, in North American harness racing history. The victory with Rummy in the fourth race, number 13,795 in Palone’s career, moved him past Catello Manzi on the all-time win list.
 
Both men are chasing Herve Filion, the leader all time with 15,179 wins. Since Manzi continues to roll up victories, Palone’s status may be temporary, as the two Hall of Famers could play leapfrog for some time. Indeed, with 11 scheduled drives Monday evening at Yonkers Raceway, Manzi could reclaim the No. 2 spot before day’s end. Nevertheless, Palone said he is humbled by the achievement.
 
“It’s quite an accomplishment to be mentioned in the same breath as Herve, the Cat Man, and all the others who’ve won a lot of races,” he said. “I remember watching Cat when I was younger and thinking. ‘What an Iron Man.’ Yet he’s driving better than ever, better than I’ve ever seen him drive.

“It took a lot of work to get here, and I’m proud of my work ethic over the years. I owe a lot to all the trainers who have given me drives.”

Palone indicated he isn’t shooting for any specific victory total.

“My goals are to keep showing up for work, keep out of accidents, keep trying to trick trainers into thinking I can still win races,” he said.

Palone drove three other winners on the 13-race Monday card and closed out the day with 13,797 career wins. Included was an upset with 8-1 Wizard Springs in the $22,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot. Although Wizard Springs was making a triple class jump, Palone sent her right to the front, where she held off the menacing first-over charge by even-money favorite BV’s Sister to down that rival by a neck in 1:56.2. Hawaiianphotograph finished third.

Kris Rickert trains Wizard Springs, a 7-year-old daughter of SJ’s Photo-Winner Springs who extended hercareer bankroll to $242,653, for Daniel Miller and Dino LoCastro.(The Meadows)