by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows
Washington, PA — In a scenario altogether typical of his distinguished but peripatetic career, Southern Allie soared over $1 million in career earnings Saturday (July 21) at The Meadows — and was claimed from the race.
Chris Gooden photo
Southern Allie is honored for reaching $1 million in purse earnings on Saturday afternoon at The Meadows.
The hard-knocking, 11-year-old Allie’s Western-Pershing Angele gelding finished second for Jim Pantaleano in an optional $20,000 claiming pace to send his lifetime bankroll to $1,000,929.
At 2 and 3, Southern Allie banked a respectable $51,410 in Maryland Sires Stakes. He began to shine at 4 when he won a pair of legs in the George Morton Levy Series, finishing fifth in the final. He’s been competitive at respectable levels throughout his career, but racing primarily in overnight events left him vulnerable to claims.
Indeed, when trainer Brandon Presto and his interests grabbed Southern Allie on Saturday, it was the sixth time he’d changed hands in recent years.
Before sending him off to his new stable, trainer J.L. Adams and owners Martin Valentic and John Bednarski, Jr. presented Southern Allie with a farewell gift — a blanket honoring him for his $1 million achievement.