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.
The hard-knocking, 11-year-old Allies Western gelding finished second for Jim Pantaleano in an optional $20,000 claiming pace to send his lifetime bankroll to $1,000,929.
At two and three, Southern Allie banked a respectable $51,410 in Maryland Sire Stakes events. He began to shine at four when he won a pair of legs in the George Morton Levy Series and finished 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 had 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 honouring him for his $1 million achievement.
(The Meadows)