Valentowner shocks at The Meadows

Trailing by as much as 13 lengths, Valentowner was widest and fastest of all through the lane as he pulled off a 26-1 shocker in Tuesday’s $25,000 Winners Over $10,000/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.

Dougs Fame, the 2-5 favorite as part of an entry, controlled the fractions, taking the field through three-quarters in a wicked 1:22.4. When he tired and broke stride, the dash home became a wide-open scramble. Even so, Valentowner seemed an unlikely winner, with 6 lengths to make up.
 
But Mike Wilder guided the 5-year-old son of Towner’s Big Guy-Key’s Valentine to the center of the track, where he blazed home in 27.2 and scored in a career-best 1:51.4. Southwind Go Go Go was a neck back in second, with Coldheartedrevenge third.
 
Jim Arledge, Jr. trains Valentowner, who pushed his career bankroll to $277,631, for Bob Key. Dave Palone drove four winners — three for trainer Ron Burke — on the 14-race card. (The Meadows)