Taking advantage of a field with little early speed, War Boots worked out a perfect pocket trip and went on to capture the $25,000 Invitational Handicap Pace on Monday at The Meadows, his ninth victory in 19 starts this year. While War Boots customarily reserves his brush for the back half of the mile, trainer-driver Ray Paver today asked him for pace from the gate. The 4-year-old gelded son of Memphis Flash-Fancy Boots responded well, settling in behind race leader Up Front Jerry. Though the opening panel was a sizzling :26.4, War Boots had plenty left for the stretch, downing Up Front Jerry by a half-length in 1:51.4. Real Hanover finished third. Shirley Mitchell owns War Boots, who now sports a career win percentage of 43.6. (The Meadows)
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