The USTA’s 'Back To The Track' weekend was a hit at Maywood and Balmoral Park both on and off the track, as non-stop racing action, giveaways and contests provided plenty of fun for fans of all ages.

On Friday, July 15, fans at Maywood Park had a chance to meet and greet driver Marcus Miller, who recently became the sixth youngest driver in history to reach the 1,000 win plateau. The personable Miller signed plenty of autographs and answered questions from a long line of fans which arrived early to meet one of Chicago’s top reinsmen. Miller also handed out tickets to the first 50 fans over the age of 21 for a 'drink on the house' if Miller won a race that night. Not wasting any time, Miller captured the third race on the card and made it 'Miller Time' for the lucky patrons holding those tickets.

Maywood Park also conducted raffles for various prizes after each race, including a trip for two to the Little Brown Jug, and the IHHA provided whips for all winning drivers to hand out to the lucky fans that surrounded the winner’s circle after each race.

The action continued on Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 at Balmoral Park with the Crete plant giving out t-shirts to fans while live bands performing on the track apron provided a festive atmosphere between races. Raffles were also held each night for various prizes including another trip for two to the Little Brown Jug. Food and drink specials and an autograph session with the Balmoral Park driving colony also proved to be a big hit with fans that turned out both nights.

The action on the track was non-stop as well at Balmoral Park, as eight divisions of the Hanover Stakes were contested on Saturday night. Three $25,800 divisions for two-year-old pacing colts were contested.

In the opening split, trainer Steve Carter and driver Tyler Smith teamed up for the first of two victories in the division, as Caviart Key, a son of Ponder--Dees Shark, front-stepped his way to an easy three-length score in a blistering 1:53.1.

The twosome clicked again later in the night, as Sgt Matt, a son of Jennas Beach Boy--Artical, became the national season’s leader for a two-year-old pacing gelding on a one-mile oval, as he cruised to a three and a quarter-length score in 1:52.4. The gelding is now a perfect five for five in his career after having triumphed in several events on the Kentucky country fair circuit to open his career.

Trainer Erv Miller scored for Illinois-bred program in another division of the two-year-old colt action, as his speedy roan colt Crime Of Passion made it two straight wins to open his career, as he rolled to a three and a quarter-length victory in 1:53.3. Marcus Miller was in the bike for the win. The homebred son of Armbro Mackintosh--Broadway Passion made a huge quarter move to overcome the outside starting spot.

A total of 18 two-year-old pacing fillies were entered for their division of the Hanover Stakes, resulting in a pair of $25,100 nine-horse divisions.

In the first division, Podges Lady, a $30,000 yearling purchase, had no trouble overcoming Post 8, as she cruised to a four-length victory in 1:55 for driver Travis Seekman. The daughter of The Panderosa--Four Starzzzz Hope was used hard early to grab command before settling into the two-hole. She then exploded by her rivals in the lane to win for the second time in as many tries for trainer Joe Seekman.

The chalk reigned supreme in the other filly division, as Sleazy Does It picked a nice time to grab her first career victory. She took advantage of her inside draw to record a three-quarters-of-one-length victory in 1:55 for driver Casey Leonard. The daughter of Sagebrush--Da Sleazy One is conditioned by veteran Nelson Willis.

An overflow field of 12 three-year-old pacing fillies was sent postward in their $28,700 Hanover division. An evenly-matched group and a big field helped produce the lone upset in the Hanovers, as the Mike Brink-trained Just By Design continued her recent run of success on the local scene with a thrilling nose decision in a career best of 1:52.3. Given a fine steer by driver Kyle Wilfong, the daughter of Sportsmaster--Rock N Roan bobbed and weaved her way through heavy traffic and got up to win by a nose.

Three-year-old pacing colts also contested a pair of $27,050 Hanover splits.

In the opening division, L & L DeVisser’s Fox Valley Griffin managed to find room late and then uncork a wicked :27.1 final quarter to draw off to a three and a quarter-length victory for driver Jamaica Patterson. The altered son of Sportsmaster--Fox Valley Gale has now been first or second in six of his nine starts this year for conditioner Nick Giberson.

Illinois-bred sensation Dutch Richman closed out the Hanover action. Driven by Marcus Miller, the gelded son of Richess Hanover--Fox Valley Estella completely overwhelmed his foes, as he scored a six-length decision in a career best of 1:50.

Illinois-bred trotters were the featured attraction on Sunday, July 17, as a field of eight colts and geldings met in the $9,000 Brandenburg Stakes.

South Of The Tracks Racing’s Anthonyskywalker continued his dominance, as he trotted to a one and a half-length victory in a career best of 1:54.4 for driver Kyle Wilfong.

The Homer Hochstetler-trained son of Powerful Emotion has now won eight of nine starts this season.

(Balmoral)