Precious Medal sparkles in PASS

Precious Medal sparkled Thursday at The Meadows, scoring in 1:51.2 to take the fastest division of a $254,938 PA Sires Stake for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers.

The event, known as the Tarport Effrat, was contested over six divisions, with Built To Drive, Panmunjom, Dan Carter, Doubleshotascotch and Hail Storm taking the other splits. Dave Palone recorded a driving double (Precious Medal, Dan Carter) in the stake while Tony Alagna enjoyed a training double (Precious Medal, Panmunjom).

Fresh from a tough first-over victory in a division of the Reynolds, Precious Medal took control earlier in the Tarport Effrat when Palone moved him to the lead at the quarter pole. The son of Allamerican Ingot-Precious Prana drew off effortlessly to down Roadway by 3 lengths better. Wambam Sam finished third.

“I drove him last year, and the difference this year is maturity,” Palone said. “He was all business when I asked him to go.”
            
Tony Alagna trains Precious Medal for Tanah Marah Farms. With his place finish, Roadway punched his ticket to the Delvin Miller Adios on July 24, indicated his trainer, Jim Ferguson.

Built To Drive sustained a lengthy uncovered bid for Randy Tharps and held off the closing Upfront Hoosierboy to prevail by 3/4 lengths in 1:52.1, with Born To Rockn Roll third. George Teague, Jr. trains the son of Dragon Again-Faster Boots for K&R Racing and George Teague, Jr. Inc.

“I thought about sending him, but the leaders were going about 110 miles per hour, so I just grabbed the 5 hole and bought some time,” Tharps said. “He got a little rough on me down the lane and ran last week in the Reynolds. George made a little adjustment on him, and he was a lot better tonight.”

Off the board in all four of his previous 2009 starts, Panmunjom left alertly from post position 8 and exploited a comfortable trip behind River Shark. He cruised by in the lane to win in 1:52.2. Big Ten Champ was 1-1/2 lengths back in second while River Shark saved show.

“With the 8 hole, we wanted to get him in the race a little more,” Miller said. “The horse responded really well. He left the gate very fast, then everything worked out. He felt the same, but we got a much better trip than last week.”

Peter Pan Stables bred and owns Panmunjom, a son of The Panderosa-Pandalay Bay.

TARPORT EFFRAT NOTES: Tom’s OK Lady floated to the lead for Palone and never was challenged seriously as she captured the $27,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot, with AJ’s Baby and Hawaiianphotograph completing the ticket. Ron Burke trains the 6-year-old daughter of Inquirer-This Gal’s OK for Burke Racing Stable, Bethann Palone, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and M1 Stable. Dave Palone finished with five wins on the 16-race card while Miller and Tharps fashioned driving triples. (The Meadows)

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