The final stake of the season for Illinois conceived and foaled two-year-old pacing colts was contested on Saturday night at Balmoral Park as a field of seven youngsters met in the $10,200 Betzotic Stakes.
Division leader Earndawg was dispatched as the 1-9 favourite in the race, but it was John Barnard’s Mighty Hot Shot who earned the top honours as he rallied in the passing lane for a half-length decision in 1:55.2 for driver Casey Leonard.
Given a perfect steer by Balmoral’s leading reinsman, the gelded son of Hawaiian Cowboy left quickly from post four and proceeded to lead the field through an opening quarter in :29.3.
With the heavy favourite getting antsy in the pocket, Todd Warren pulled Earndawg and quickly charged to the top leading the field through middle splits of :59.1 and 1:28.1.
After staving off a first over bid from longshot Dinky Dune (Kyle Wilfong) as the field moved through the stretch, Earndawg appeared to be on his way to his ninth win of the season. But the Bill Crone-trained Mighty Hot Shot still had plenty left in the tank after the golden journey, storming home in :27 to nail the favourite in the closing strides. Earndawg was forced to settle for the runner-up role on this night while Dixies Boy (Dale Hiteman) was third.
The win was the second in 14 starts for Mighty Hot Shot, who returned $15.40 and $2.40. Show wagering was not allowed.
(Balmoral Park)