The Illinois-conceived and foaled two-year-old stakes action continued on Sunday night at Balmoral Park, as a total of 13 pacing colts squared off in a pair of $5,000 divisions of the Bingo Johnnie Stakes.
In the first division, the Darcy Pletcher-trained Speakrightomyheart turned in a game performance, as he battled tooth and nail for a three-quarter-length decision in a national season's best of 1:55.2.
Sent right to the top by driver Tyler Buter, the son of Cole Muffler set splits of :30., 1:00.2 and 1:28. Despite being headed briefly at the top of the lane by a first-over Wheresmeluckycharms (driven by Todd Warren), Speakrightomyheart showed he had plenty of heart, as he flew home in :27.2 to record his first victory. Charlie Beans (Dave Magee) turned a pocket-sitting journey into the place cheque, while Just Call My Name (Mike Oosting) rallied to finish third.
In the second division, Iris Horowitz’s Fort Hamilton uncorked a big final quarter to rally for a one and half-length triumph in 1:57.1.
Using a pylon-skimming trip to perfection, as Commercial Grade (Todd Warren) strolled through splits of :29.2, 1:00.4 and 1:30.1, driver Josh Sutton secured room in the late going for Fort Hamilton. The long-striding son of Sportsmaster did the rest, as ripped off a :26.4 final quarter and recorded his first career win in what was his second-ever start. Apache Renegade (Brian Carpenter) was a game second, while Tarr (Dave Magee) came on late to finish third.
(With files from Balmoral)