Trotters were the focus Thursday (January 21) at Hawthorne, as Leg 1 of the Dygert Trotting Series took place.
The Dygert Series is for colts, horses, and geldings which have not won three pari-mutuel races or $15,000 lifetime as of December 1, 2015.
A field of 11 lined up for the first leg of the Dygert Series. On an evening that produced no front-end winners on the Hawthorne card, that trend held true in the ‘Dygert.’
Speedy Rendezvous carved out the fractions (he led the field around in :29.3, 1:01 and 1:31.1). Maple Grove Joe – who was sent off as the second post-time choice – tracked the leader into the stretch before making his move to contend.
Following the Thursday-program trend, post-time choice Topville Avatar (driven by Dale Hiteman) waited until the stretch to set sail. He closed with a :28.1 and trotted away from his rivals. He posted a three and a quarter-length victory in 2:00.1. Maple Grove Joe held second while All About Cowboys closed from last early to finish third.
The females will be the main focus during Friday evening’s program of live racing from at Hawthorne, as the first leg of the Ohyouprettything and Pretty Direct Pacing Series will kick off.
(With files from Hawthorne)