Valentowner is best in Meadows Preferred

Valentowner waited patiently behind a suicidal duel for the lead, then attacked the tiring leaders to capture Saturday’s $22,500 Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.

 

While Mypanmar and Upfront Hoosierboy battled through withering fractions of :25.4 and :54.2, driver Dan Noble kept Valentowner along the pylons, in fourth. Noble adroitly slipped Valentowner outside before Upfront Hoosierboy weakened and denied him clearance, and the 5-year-old son of Towner’s Big Guy-Key’s Valentine rolled on to prevail in 1:51.1, matching his career best.

 

Pedro Island was a closing second, a neck back, with War Boots a rallying third. Bob Key bred and owns Valentowner, who won for the ninth time this year and extended his lifetime bankroll to $369,351.

 

Tony Hall drove three winners on the 13-race card. (The Meadows)