Hellabalou shoots lightning lane to win $375,000 adios final

WASHINGTON, PA, July 31, 2021--Hellabalou used a pocket trip to pull off an 81-1 upset in a Meadowlands Pace elimination. He worked out a two-hole-journey-with Lightning-Lane-brush to take his Adios elimination. He couldn't possibly fashion another garden trip in the Adios final, could he?

He could and he did, pouring through the Lightning Lane once more to capture the $375,000 final of the 55th edition of the Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids Saturday at The Meadows' It was the first Adios title for both Hall of Fame driver Tim Tetrick and winning trainer Eddie Dennis. The son of Sweet Lou-Magestic Blue Chip now has banked $327,136 for owner Eric Good.

Rockyroad Hanover split horses for second, 1-1/4 lengths back, with Water Sports Teen, who did most of the heavy lifting, third. Winning time was 1:48.4.

Hellabalou zipped to the front from post 5 in a snappy 26 but yielded to the pocket when Water Sports Teen and Joe Bongiorno pressed him for the lead. Water Sports Teen was able to resist the first-over challenge of elimination winner Abuckabett Hanover, but the effort left him vulnerable to the inside thrust of Hellabalou. Tetrick said he thought Water Sports Teen would get him to the Lightning Lane.

"I was pretty sure the pocket would hold up," Tetrick said. "Getting to the quarter in 26 wasn't too bad, and Joe's horse looked really strong when I let him go. I thought if he could take me there for a little bit, it would be great."

Teased that he had used up his allotment of pocket trips for the rest of his career, Dennis replied:

"I hope I got a couple more coming.

"When I saw him get to the front and Joe was still wide, I thought we were in a good spot because I know he'll shoot up the inside real fast. I told Tim he's as sure-footed as anything you'll ever sit behind. Don't ever worry about him putting in a step."

He said Hellabalou would be pointed to the Hempt Memorial.