After a tough trip near the front cost him his last race, Valentowner returned to his customary rallying style Wednesday to capture the $25,000 Preferred Handicap Pace — his fifth consecutive win at The Meadows. Following his fourth straight victory at his home track, Valentowner tried for the early lead in the May 1 Invitational at Hoosier Park. A shuffle forced him to come first over, a move that left him weary and with a fourth-place check. On Wednesday, he was content to fall 9 lengths behind before Mike Wilder cut him loose. The 5-year-old son of Towner’s Big Guy-Key’s Valentine overtook Windsong Fortune in the stretch and downed that rival by 1/2 length in 1:52.1. Armbro Billow finished third. Jim Arledge, Jr. trains Valentowner, who pushed his career bankroll to $316,971, for owner/breeder Bob Key. Aaron Merriman drove four winners and Dave Palone three on the 13-race card. (The Meadows)
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