Sunday’s $15,000 Fox Valley Memory Stakes at Balmoral Park provided a thrilling finish as Joshua Carter’s Just By Design rallied in the final strides to score by a hard-fought head in 1:53.3 over nine other Illinois conceived and state-bred pacing fillies.

Sitting in mid-pack as Fox Valley Absolut (driven by Robert Smolin) rolled through splits of :27.4, :56.4 and 1:25.4, driver Dave Magee moved to the outside as the field scooted around the final bend.

Ranging up first-over to engage the leader, Magee had Just By Design sitting second, just one and a quarter lengths off the pace-setter as the ladies straightened for the money.

Gradually wearing down the 6-5 favourite, Just By Design finally poked a head in front nearing the wire thanks in part to a strong final split of :27.2. Fox Valley Absolut was forced to settle for the bridesmaid role while Fox Valley Touche (Dale Hiteman) was a solid third.

The win was the third in 25 starts this year for the Mike Brink trained daughter of Sportsmaster.

There were no winners in Sunday’s 50 cent Pick 5 wager, so Wednesday’s action will feature a carryover of $8,870, setting things up for another big pool at the Crete oval. The Pick 5 entails races two through six each night. Post time for the opening leg of Wednesday’s Pick 5 is scheduled to be 7:25 p.m. (central).

(Balmoral)