On a gusty evening in Chicago, a field of nine Illinois-bred pacers lined up for the $25,000 Carl Becker Pace final at Hawthorne.

The morning line favourite was Zone Blitz, but Fox Valley Reggie was sent away as the off time choice.

Sleazy Joe went off stride at the start as the rest of the field got away in good order. A trio of pacers left for the lead with Daddy Let Me Drive and Zone Blitz passing the opening quarter together in :28.4. On the backside, Zone Blitz took over for driver Mike Oosting through the half in :58.1. Into the turn, Fox Valley Reggie and Pat Curtin swung up to challenge Zone Blitz as they passed three-quarters in 1:26.2. In the lane, Zone Blitz dug in and battled Fox Valley Reggie the length of the lane. At the wire, Fox Valley Reggie just got up, nabbing Zone Blitz by a nose in a 1:54.3 mile. Daddy Let Me Drive held on for third.

Fox Valley Reggie is owned by Ronald Phillips and Sharry Boledovich, and trained by Jamaica Patton.

The four-year-old Yankee Skyscraper gelding returned $5, $2.80, and $2.20. Zone Blitz came back $2.80 and $2.40 while Daddy Let Me Drive returned $2.80 to show.

(With files from Hawthorne)