by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Washington, PA — Foiled Again, the richest Standardbred ever with more than $7.5 million in lifetime earnings, fell a head short in his quest for career win 100 Saturday (June 9) at The Meadows when he couldn’t get by a stubborn Bilbo Hanover and finished second.

Chris Gooden photo

Bilbo Hanover denies Foiled Again his 100th career victory by a head on Saturday.

In their non-winners of $3,500 conditioned race, Bilbo Hanover pulled the pocket midway down the backside for Aaron Merriman while Foiled Again and Dave Palone took up the chase from fourth.

Bilbo Hanover didn’t blink in the face of Foiled Again’s strong challenge and scored in 1:52.1 for trainer Randy Bendis, who owns the 8-year-old Yankee Cruiser-Bet Again Hanover gelding with Reed Broadway and Tom Pollack.

Palone said he got the trip he wanted with Foiled Again, a three-time Pacer of The Year.

“I thought he would fight the other horse off,” Palone said. “Bilbo Hanover is no clown. He loves to race on the lead, and he’s tough to get by. But the old horse fought to the end. He went a good race. I can’t make any excuses for him.”

It was the eighth consecutive time Foiled Again has been foiled in his bid for No. 100.

Ron Burke, who trains the gallant 14-year-old Dragon Again-In A Safe Place gelding for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, LLC and JJK Stables, indicated he was pleased with Foiled Again’s effort

“Every start he’s getting a little bit better,” Burke said. “We’re only a couple of starts from getting him to 1:51, which probably is the most he’ll pace any more. He probably fights allergies a little bit in the summer; as it gets cooler in the fall, he gets better. Anytime he tries his heart out like that, it’s no embarrassment.”

Foiled Again faces mandatory retirement at the end of 2018. Burke said he plans to continue racing him through the end of the year and hopes to close out his career on his last day of eligibility, Dec. 31, when The Meadows hosts a twilight card.

In Saturday’s feature, the $20,000 Preferred Handicap Pace, Stride Of Pride took advantage of fast fractions thrown down by Dapper Dude to clear him first-over and prevail in 1:49.3. Lincolnjames was second by a half-length — giving Burke an exacta sweep — while Dapper Dude saved show.

Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. piloted the 5-year-old Manhardt-Apple B gelding, who lifted his career bankroll to $136,627, for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi and RTC Stables.
Mike Wilder and Merriman each collected three wins on the 15-race card.

Live racing at The Meadows resumes Monday, when the card features the Adios Betty, a $159,838 PA Sires Stake for 3-year-old filly pacers. First post is 1:05 p.m.