by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Meadow Lands, PA — Proving that his track record last week was no fluke, War Boots easily took the measure of the top pacers on The Meadows’ grounds on Monday, June 16, capturing the $17,500 Open Handicap Pace.

Although he went a sizzling 1:49.4 in his record mile, that effort was in a conditioned race. On Monday, he was up in class and assigned the outside post position as well. Could he repeat in tougher company?

Trainer/driver Ray Paver thought so from the outset. Sensing a paceless race, he gunned War Boots to the lead in a swift :26.4. The son of Memphis Flash was so strong on top that only one challenger left the pylons before the stretch.

War Boots scored in 1:51.4, 1-1/2 lengths better than Pacey Deucey, with Jacked Up finishing third.

Shirley Mitchell owns War Boots, who won for the fifth time in 12 seasonal starts.