Driver John Roberts reached the 1,000 win plateau on Saturday night at Balmoral Park, pulling off a stunning upset with 35-1 outsider B Keeper in race three to reach the coveted mark. The 32-year-old native of Grant Park, Illinois has been on a roll the past two years posting over 200 victories in both 2011 and 2012 and is on pace to accomplish that feat again in 2013.
“I’ve been blessed to have the type of support I’ve had from my family and friends and from all the trainers that have stuck with me through the good times and the bad,” said Roberts. “I just hope that we can get something done here in Illinois to help these purses so I don’t have to leave my home state in order to make a decent living. I love it here and certainly don’t want to leave.”
Robert’s memorable night at the track continued in race seven as he guided Rick Zeron Stable and Rojan Stables' Rev Me Up to a thrilling victory over eight other Illinois conceived and foaled distaffers in the featured $20,000 Sue Fee Stake.
Showing the grit and determination that had netted her 24 previous victories and more than $443,000 in earnings the six-year-old daughter of Park Place took advantage of her inside starting to grab command of the proceedings as soon as the wings of the gate folded.
With the field settling into post position order Roberts was able to get away with relatively soft early splits of :28.2 and :56.2.
The action picked up heading around the far turn as a first over Mystical Victress (Mike Oosting) launched a first over bid, towing up a fit and fresh Party Hangover (Kyle Husted) as the field reached the three-quarter-mile mark in 1:24.2.
With the three distaffers spread across the track through a stretch long duel a game Rev Me Up somehow managed to keep a head in front as the trio hit the wire in 1:52.2. Mystical Victress was a tough luck second while Party Hangover finished third just a neck back.
The win was the fourth in 16 starts this year for the Kathy Millman trainee who returned a very generous $24.00 to her backers.
Saturday’s $1 Pick 5 wager was not hit so there will be a carryover of $3,506 into Sunday’s pool. With the carryover, Balmoral Park management and the USTA Strategic Wagering Council have decided to guarantee Sunday’s Pick 5 at $25,000! The Pick 5 is on races 2-6 with post time for race two at approximately 7:25 p.m.
(Balmoral Park)