by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Meadow Lands, PA — Stolen Identity, a maiden mired eight lengths behind the leader on a sloppy track, suddenly put it all together and rallied for a surprising victory in a division of the $71,044 Arden Downs trot for freshman colts on Thursday night (August 9) at The Meadows.

The stake, known as the Henry Oliver, was contested over four divisions, with Gambler’s Vacation, In Focus and Dauntless De Vie capturing the other splits.

The Grand Circuit Week card also featured four divisions of the $69,196 Judge Joe McGraw Arden Downs trot for 2-year-old fillies. The winners were Fantasy Yankee, Grace N Charlie, Flower Lane and Broadway Woman.

Dave Palone drove four winners over the two stakes while Ray Paver scored training and driving doubles.

Grand Circuit action at The Meadows continues through Saturday, which features a doubleheader card highlighted by the $420,125 Coors Delvin Miller Adios for 3-year-old colt pacers.

$71,044 Henry Oliver

Intermittent thunderstorms rendered the track heavy and tiring, which didn’t seem to bode well for Stolen Identity. Gaiting problems persuaded trainer Karen Garland to add, then remove, hopples and make other rigging changes. But the son of S J’s Photo launched a second-over backside bid for Palone that carried him past the previously undefeated Lear Jetta. Stolen Identity scored by a head over that rival, with Pembroke Lane in third.

“He has the ability when he minds his manners,” Garland said. “Those equipment changes really worked in our favor. He has a tendency to run in and out a little bit, but he’s getting better.”

George Bullukian owns Stolen Identity.

Dauntless De Vie and Mile Wilder used a quarter-pole move to get the lead, then held off first-time starter Order By Lincoln to prevail by 1-1/4 lengths in 2:00.2. Lucky Jim was third.

“You probably won’t find a colt in America with a better pedigree,” said Doug Miller, who trains the son of Andover Hall. “He’s great-gaited and has a good attitude. It’s just a question of where his bottom is.”

Joie De Vie Farm bred and owns Dauntless De Vie with John Rizzo and Trond W. Wilhelmsen.

$69,196 Judge Joe McGraw

Fantasy Yankee finished second in two legs of the New Jersey Sires Stakes but broke stride in the final. She rebounded nicely in the McGraw, handling the slop flawlessly for Palone on the front end.

“She’s only made that one mistake at the Meadowlands — too much speed too early,” said Peter Walsh, who trains the daughter of Muscles Yankee for Maple Hill Standardbred Farm. “Somewhere along the line all these babies make mistakes. She can do a job.”

Fantasy Yankee scored in 1:59.3, one length ahead of Tortoni. Are You Ready was third.

Flower Lane and Palone were unchallenged on the lead, drawing off to win in 1:59, with Photo Queen and My Girl Hall rounding out the ticket.

“She’s a sweetheart to drive,” Palone said. “She doesn’t make any mistakes. You can put her in the race and control it, although I like her better out of a hole.”

Randy Bendis trains the daughter of Lindy Lane for Allister Stables.