Takter takes 2 of 3 Currier & Ives divisions

"We got jammed up a little in the first turn, and I had to get him settled,” Palone said. "The fractions played into my hands. They were going an honest clip. This little colt loves to pass horses. He just dropped his head and took off.”

Solveig's Racing Partners own Dontyouforgetit, a son of Cantab Hall-Solveig who soared over $400,000 in career earnings.

Bluto also moved first over to victory, prevailing by 1/2 length over Vibe Blue Chip in 1:55.4. Banco Solo earned show in his first start of the year.

"Speed hadn't been holding up, so I was glad to sit in for the first half,” Palone said. ”When I cleared, I think that was the whole key because Vibe Blue Chip was stuck out in the turn, working. That was the difference. I needed the wire.”

Christina Takter, John Fielding, Louis Camara and Jim Fielding campaign Bluto, a son of Donato Hanover-Blur.

The headstrong Its Complicated provided the biggest Currier & Ives surprise when, at 10-1, he reeled off a front-end victory for Eric Ledford, trainer Kris Hite and Hatfield Stables. Tigress's Legacy, who raced outside for much of the mile, was 1/2 length back in second while High Bridge — the 1-5 favorite who could have given Takter and Palone a sweep — was rough gaited in the lane and settled for show.

"I just got him before he qualified this year,” Hite said of the SJ's Caviar-Before The Rain gelding. "He has some soreness issues up front, but he's a game little horse. I've sat him in a hole training, and he's okay. They taught him early to leave the gate, but he's pretty manageable once you get him off the gate — maybe not today.”

Palone drove four winners on the 15-race card while Ledford and Brett Miller each enjoyed a triple. (The Meadows)