Parx Racing: Sloane Ranger turns back Golddigger's Boy in LeVine Memorial

Sloane Ranger scored a pacesetting win at 9-1, holding off Golddigger’s Boy by a neck on Saturday, in the $150,000 Don LeVine Memorial Handicap at Parx Racing.

Frankie Pennington was aboard for trainer Martin Ciresa as the 6-year-old gelding, a homebred in Pennsylvania for Vicky Schowe, got his seventh win in 28 starts.

The key to the outcome was the opening quarter. The race unfolded with Sloane Ranger and Ponzi Scheme, winner of the Decathlon Stakes last month at Monmouth Park, both breaking alertly.

Sloane Ranger quickly took charge, showing the way through an opening quarter in a modest 23.44 seconds. That soft fraction was helpful later, when the serious running began.

Toby’s Corner, looking for his first win since last year’s Wood Memorial, made a brief move up the rail on the run down the backstretch. The 13-10 favorite, Toby’s Corner could not sustain the bid and wound up running fourth while being eased in the final stages.

The most serious challenge to Sloane Ranger emerged turning for home as Golddigger’s Boy made a strong inside move. Last year’s LeVine winner, Golddigger’s Boy pulled alongside the leader but could not surge past as

Sloane Ranger dug in to secure the win.

Rod’s Five Star came on to get third.

The time was 1:23.03 as Sloane Ranger paid $21.60 to win.

Ponzi Scheme, the 9-5 second choice, was fifth. Hobbitontherocks trailed throughout.

Royal Currier and Spin Zone were early scratches.

The stakes is named for the long-time state steward at Philadelphia Park.