Undefeated sophomore pacer Fox Valley Gemini stretched his win streak to 13 on Friday night as Hawthorne featured a pair of divisions of the Cardinal pace for Illinois-conceived and foaled three-year-old colts and geldings.
The first division went with a field of 10 while the second had nine after the scratch of Heza Real Shooter.
Sent off as the 1-5 favourite in the first $27,100 division with Casey Leonard in the bike, Fox Valley Gemini got away in good order as Dandy Dude was sent away to the lead. After the quarter, Youremyhearthrob held the lead in :28.2 and looked to open up on the backside through the half in :56.4. On the turn, Fox Valley Gemini was unleashed and went after the leader, getting within a length through three-quarters in 1:24.4. In the lane, Fox Valley Gemini took command and drew off. At the wire, Fox Valley Gemini was three lengths clear of Dandy Dude, while Youremyhearthrob held third. The final time for the mile was 1:52.3. Fox Valley Gemini is owned by Jim Ballinger and trained by Terry Leonard.
In the second division of the Cardinal, Backstreet Lawyer was sent away as the favourite with Kyle Wilfong driving. Molina made the lead early as Sports Analyst was sent after him before breaking stride through the quarter in :29. After a half in :58.1, Molina maintained his lead into the far turn. Through three-quarters in 1:26.2, Molina led the field into the lane. Mid-stretch, Als Briefs and driver Travis Seekman went after the leader and took over. At the wire, Als Briefs held off the late moves of Backstreet Lawyer and Fox Valley Hijinx, winning by a length in 1:54.1. Als Briefs is owned by Anthony Somone, David McCaffrey, and trainer Clark Fairley.
(With files from Hawthorne)