Scioto: Modern Family takes inaugural Hill Memorial

The inaugural $200,000 Charlie Hill Memorial at Scioto Downs was stacked with top older trotters, but the end result was a runaway victory by second choice Modern Family in an all age-equaling track record clocking.

Modern Family was fast off the gate and took charge from Creatine at the opening quarter in 27 seconds. The order remained intact by a very soft half time in 56 4/5. At that point Arch Madness began to turn up the heat and gave the winner all he had to offer for a short spell. He was followed on the rim by DW’s NY Yank and the favored Market Share.

Driver Dave Palone asked Modern Family to trot in the third quarter and he responded with a 27 3/5 turn of speed to get some separation. And that was that. The Daryl Bier trainee scooted away and won easily in 1:52 2/5 over longshot Archangel and Creatine.

Market Share finished a disappointing sixth.

“I was able to get a nice breather and he took over from there,” said Palone about his tactics. “I was just lucky enough to get a call; me and Daryl have been friends for 25 years.”

Modern Family paid $5.80 to win for owners Daryl Bier, Charles Dombeck and Richard Poillucci. The 5-year-old pushed his yearly earnings to $241,150 with the win.