By Tyler Stillings for the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association
Hollywood Casino at The Meadows welcomed October with a pair of $24,475 Keystone Classic events for three-year-old colts and geldings.
Fineline Hanover and Dave Palone put up all the fractions en route to a 1:52.3 victory in the fastest Keystone Classic division. After an opening quarter of 27.1, Palone was able to relax the son of Captain Corey through a 57-second half. From there, it was all Fineline Hanover, who paced a 55.3 back half to keep pocket-sitter Hamlet Hall two lengths back in second, with Emmett Hanover holding the show spot. Carter Pinske handled the training duties for owners Ron Coyne Stables Inc., Blair Corbell, M. McAllister, and Larry & Gregg Stable. Fineline Hanover is now six for 11 this season with earnings of more than $150,000.
Exactly and Dave Palone raced patiently before a final-turn, three-wide move turned into a three-length Keystone Classic victory. Unhurried from post two, the son of Bar Hopping raced fifth through the early going before flushing cover just before the 56.4 half. He stayed with the cover until past the three-quarters before sliding three wide, overtaking front-runner Oversear, and trotting home in 28.1 to complete the mile in 1:53.2. Oversear and Captain Vodka hit the line together for a dead heat for place. Exactly’s Keystone Classic victory was his fourth in a row and seventh win from 10 starts, pushing his lifetime earnings over $100,000 for owner Stephen Palermo. Tim Twaddle handles the training responsibilities.
Chris Gooden Photo
Thursday’s top driving honors went to Dave Palone, who recorded three wins, while Dirk Simpson and Abigail Wright each had two training wins.
Hollywood Casino at The Meadows resumes racing Friday, October 2, with a 14-race card featuring three-year-old trotting filly Keystone Classics. First-race post time is 12:45 p.m.