Altissimo scores repeat win in Babst/Palacios Memorial

Altissimo, who emerged as one of Ohio’s best sprinters last season, began this campaign in fine fashion with a 1 1/2-length repeat victory in the $75,000 Edward Babst/Albert Palacios Memorial Handicap on Saturday at Belterra Park.

This was the first stakes of the season at Belterra, which opened its live racing calendar on Friday.

Altissimo ($2.80) had Christian Pilares aboard for trainer Richard Zielinski. The gelding rose to prominence last year by winning five stakes races on the season, including the Best of Ohio Sprint last October at Thistledown. He is likely to earn divisional honors when Ohio recognizes its statebred champions on May 18.

Altissimo set the pace in the Babst/Palacios Memorial through a sharp opening quarter in 21.91 seconds and a half in 44.57, with Mannford just a head behind. He shook clear in the lane, finishing the six furlongs in 1:10.10.

Mo Dont No, the two-time Ohio horse of the year, came on to be second, 3 3/4 lengths clear of Mannford.