The first trotting stake of the 2009 season for Illinois conceived and foaled sophomores was contested over a sloppy surface on Sunday night at Balmoral Park

as a total of 14 diagonally-gaited colts and geldings squared off in a pair of $11,500 Speedy Rodney Stake splits.
In the opener, Doug Ackerman Stables’ homebred, Mach Ten, made his three-year-old debut a winning one. He used the passing lane to perfection en route to posting a one-length victory in 2:00.

The son of International Chip and driver Homer Hochstetler used a :28.1 final frame to post the win over Sago and B Victorious.

In the nightcap, another lightly-raced youngster who appears to have a wealth of talent prevailed. Welchkin, owned by Roger Welch and G And B Stables, trotted away to an impressive victory in 1:59.3.

Fresh off a win in his career debut at Balmoral just four days ago, the chestnut son of Valley Victor and driver Dave Magee cruised home to win by a comfortable margin over Victors Story and Eger.

To view Sunday’s results, click here.