Juvenile pacers were the focus on Friday evening at Hawthorne as two divisions of the Cardinal took place. The $30,350 events are for Illinois-conceived and foaled two-year-old colt and gelding pacers.
The night’s opener was the first of the two divisions as Holden Steady was sent off as the choice with Kyle Wilfong in the bike. The favourite got away quickly and he was able to back down the opening quarter in :30. After a half in 1:00.4, Holden Steady held the lead over longshot Sonny Sage and Fox Valley Minime. After three-quarters in 1:31.2, Holden Steady was still pushed along but maintained his advantage. Roused in the lane, Holden Steady responded well, drawing clear in 1:59.4. Sonny Sage held second while Riley The Mooss closed to finish third. Holden Steady is owned by Thestable Holden Steady of Guelph, Ont., and trained by Angela Coleman.
Race seven was the second division of the Cardinal as a field of nine lined up behind the starting car. The Bucket was favoured in the division with Casey Leonard driving. Frontier Muffler, a 15-1 shot, made the lead through the quarter in :30.3. After a half in one minute flat, Frontier Muffler still held a two-length advantage over The Bucket. In the turn, The Bucket was asked but Frontier Muffler still led through three-quarters in 1:29.1. In the lane, The Bucket tipped out and was able to wear down Frontier Muffler, winning going away in 1:57.1. Frontier Muffler held second while Meyer On Fire closed to finish third. The stewards conducted an inquiry looking into the actions of Meyer On Fire but no change was made. The Bucket is owned by George Dremonas and trainer Ken Rucker.
(With files from Hawthorne Race Course)