Pardon, last season’s champion two-year-old pacing filly and Horse of the Year in Illinois, returned to action last night at Balmoral Park in the $9,000 Crestwood OTB Stakes.

Pardon picked up right where she left off, as she posted her 15th career win in 16 starts. She recorded a three and a quarter-length triumph in 1:53.2 for trainer Dirk Simpson and driver Dean Magee.

Handled like she was much the best, the daughter of Richess Hanover--Rose Dawson sped right to the front from Post 5, cut the fractions in :28.4, :56.2 and 1:25.

“She’s such a nice horse and she gets over the ground so well that you don’t even realize how quickly you’re pulling away from everyone,” said Magee. “She absolutely knows what she’s doing out there and is just a pleasure to drive.”

(With files from Balmoral)