by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Meadow Lands, PA — Sent on a seemingly hopeless first-over mission, Vesuvio Grande paced a remarkable back half in :55.2 and captured the $20,000 Open/Preferred Handicap Pace on Monday (April 7) at The Meadows.

Fox Valley Armor, the 3-5 favorite, got to the half in a comfortable :57.1, leaving Vesuvio Grande with little choice but to attack from third without cover. The son of Arturo, with Mike Wilder at the helm, did just that, eventually wearing down Fox Valley Armor and holding off the late-charging Pacey Deucey, who was second by three-quarters of a length. Fox Valley Armor saved show.

Vesuvio Grande paced the mile in 1:52.3, lowering his lifetime best a tick for owner/trainer J.C. Miller, Jr.

The Monday card also featured the first leg of the North Strabane Pace for colts and geldings, one of four series for 3-year-olds that The Meadows will kick off this week. Each features two legs and a final with a purse estimated at $45,000.

In his $13,000 division, PW Roman Lover was particularly impressive, powering to the lead past the quarter for Dave Palone and scoring by 8-1/4 lengths in 1:52.2. Mike Palone trains the son of Grinfromeartoear for Bulletproof Enterprises.

Alastair Hanover and My Wagons Dragon also won $13,000 divisions.