PASS colts at The Meadows

Armbro Damien, who swept the Diplomat series at Woodbine, added to his growing resume Saturday night at The Meadows when he smashed the stakes record in a $107,560 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers, scoring in 1:50.4. The Sire Stakes were contested over five divisions, with the other splits going to Dave Panlone, Sand Gogh, Texas Shootout and Big Tim. All winners are Little Brown Jug eligible.

A son of Western Hanover trained by Bob McIntosh, Armbro Damien compiled
a modest record at 2, winning one race and $4,564. This year, however, he’s
captured five of 10 starts, including the $69,160 Diplomat final in a swift
1:50.

Driver Dave Palone settled Armbro Damien in fifth, where they enjoyed a hotly contested opening quarter of :26. Armbro Damien powered to the lead down the back side and held off the stubborn True North Hanover by three-quarters of a length. Yes Hanover was well back in third.

”He’s the real deal,” Palone said. “I was glad to take him back and let the dust settle. He has a glorious mouth. I took him out of gear up the backstretch and didn’t ask on him until late. To win the major races they have to be handy, and he’s as handy as they come.”

Armbro Damien, a $90,000 yearling purchase, bettered the previous stakes mark of 1:51.3 established by Up Front Brad and Dick Stillings in 2004. Robert McIntosh Stable, CSX Stable, Michael Kohler and Paradox Farm own Armbro Damien. McIntosh trains the Western Hanover colt, who is eligible to the Little Brown Jug.

Dave Panlone teamed up with his namesake, Palone, and the pair demonstrated again that they’re all business. Palone eschewed an opportunity for a pocket trip, instead gunning the son of The Panderosa to the lead in a demanding first quarter of :26.4. But the duo had nary an anxious moment, winning by 1 3/4 lengths in 1:52.2. Wiggle Out Of This was second while Ideal Michael finished third.

The driver and horse appear to have a genuine bond, but Palone said he doesn’t get emotional when driving Dave Panlone.

”It’s an honor that the people would name the colt after me, and I’m glad to do good for them because they’re a real nice bunch of guys,” Palone said. “But I find that when I get up, I mess up, so I try to keep an even keel.”

Jim Arledge, Jr., trains Dave Panlone for James L. Stambaugh and Milton
J. Leeman.

Sand Gogh was the third selection in the wagering, but when favorite Keystone Eli and second pick Winslow Dragon locked up in a duel, Sand Gogh and driver Tony Hall took full advantage, blowing by in the stretch to score by two lengths in 1:53.2. Pizza’s Western closed strongly for second at 68-1, with Keystone Eli saving show.

A son of Real Artist out of the Dragon’s Lair mare Southwind Stardust, Sand Gogh was an inexpensive weaning purchase whose looks and comportment were less than impressive.

”He was the ugliest-looking weanling I ever saw, but look at him now,” said Tye Loy, who trains Sand Gogh for Bill G. Sanders. “Mr. Sanders liked the breeding. He likes Dragon’s Lair broodmares. Last year he was plain old studdy and sometimes temperamental. He’s come back stronger and with a better attitude.”

While Sand Gogh enjoyed a great trip, the same can’t be said of Loy, who received a $600 citation from the Pennsylvania State Police en route to the track for failing to check in at a weigh station.

I didn’t know a thing about (the weigh-in requirement),” Loy said. “Another trainer told me he was warned, but they fined me.”

Texas Shootout, a gelded son of The Panderosa, drew off in the lane for a 3-length victory over Eagle Real One in 1:53. Owned by Randy Ringer and trained by Michael Burke, Mike Wilder drove the gelding to his second score of the season.

Big Tim and Dick Stillings sat a pocket trip behind Sandro Hanover before taking over in the lane and going on to a 2-length victory in 1:52.3. Stillings trains the colt by The Panderosa for the White Creek Stable. He has won two of seven starts this year.

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