Freshman pacing colts grabbed the headlines on Wednesday night at Balmoral Park as a field of seven Illinois conceived and foaled youngsters battled in the $7,000 final of the Incredible Finale Series.

Coming off back to back scores in the opening two legs of the series G & B Stables' Fox Valley Lector was backed to the near exclusion of his six rivals. The gelding did not disappoint his legion of backers, as he held on gamely to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:56.2.

Taking advantage of the inside post position driver Jason Dillander fired the son of Richess Hanover-Love Life away from the gate and was in control of the proceedings as the field reached the opening station in :29.1.

Heading to the half-mile mark, 'Lector' encountered a first-over challenge from longshot Sandbar Slugger (driven by Dean Magee). Those two raced neck and neck through middle splits of :59 and 1:28.

After finally putting away the challenge of his first-over rival, Fox Valley Lector then had to brace for challenges from the pocket-sitting Incredible Bob (Josh Sutton) and a late-rushing Big Party (Brandon Simpson). Digging in tenaciously through the final sixteenth of a mile, the Roger Welch trainee was up to the task, as he charged home in :28.2 to record his fourth win in 14 starts this season. Big Party edged Incredible Bob for the place money in a tight photo.

The 3-5 favourite in the wagering returned $3.20, $2.60 and $2.10, while running his seasonal earnings up to $23,537.

(Balmoral)