Quaid Racing’s Jake Quaider continued his late-season surge as he knocked off six other Illinois-conceived and foaled two-year-old trotting colts by one and a half lengths in 1:58.2 during Wedneday’s $40,200 Cardinal Stakes at Balmoral Park.

Confidently handled by leading driver Casey Leonard, the altered son of Photo Color—Grace Elizabeth was placed in mid-pack while Powerful Above All (driven by Todd Warren) led the field through early splits of :29.2 and :59.1.

Getting underway while following live cover from his main rival RT Habanero (Dave Magee) as the field moved around the final bend, Leonard was able to drop in right behind that colt as the pair quickly swallowed up a tiring Powerful Above All while rolling by the three-quarter-mile mark in 1:29.1.

Through the lane Jake Quaider effortlessly began to reel in RT Habanero, cruising right by that one while under very minimal urging from Leonard for his third win in eight trips postward. RT Habanero was forced to settle for the runner-up role while Captain Greedy (JD Finn) was a distant third, five and a quarter lengths behind the winner.

Now under the guidance of veteran conditioner Nelson Willis after having started his career in the barn of Ervin Miller, Jake Quaider boasts a record of 3-2-2 from 8 starts with earnings of $51,560. Bet as though defeat was out of the question, Jake Quaider returned $2.60, $2.10 and $2.10.

The 10-cent Hi-Five was not hit on the night’s final race, so there will be a carryover of more than $9,600 added to Saturday’s Hi-Five wager at Balmoral Park. The Hi-Five, the ‘ultimate get-out’ wager will be held on Race 13 on Saturday’s Balmoral Park card.

(Balmoral)