The 2017 Suburban Downs at Hawthorne stakes season kicked off on Friday night (June 2) as two Plum Peachy eliminations for Illinois-bred three-year-old filly pacers were contested.
Race six on Friday was the first of the eliminations with a field of 10 lining up behind the gate. Illinois champ from 2016, Princess Sage was making her 2017 debut and was sent away as the favourite for driver/trainer Freddie Patton Jr. The favourite left for the lead, but longshot November Rain carved out the quarter in :28.3. Princess Sage took over through a half in :58.2 and covered three-quarters in 1:27.3. In the lane, Princess Sage was challenged by multiple horses as 45-1 shot Fancy Creek Jolene closed fastest of all for driver Matthew Avenatti to win by a half-length over Boogie On Down. Dandys Dududidudu rallied for third. The winning time for the mile was 1:55.1. Fancy Creek Jolene is owned by Frank Marcolini and trained by Kim Hamilton.
Race 10 was the second elimination with a field of 11. Favourite Ladys Party was riding a three-race win streak into this spot and she started from the second tier for driver Casey Leonard. Rousey Ronda got away with the lead as she covered the quarter in :29.1. On the backside, Ladys Party quickly moved to the front, to battle the half through :57.3. On the turn, Ladys Party maintained her advantage, pacing three-quarters in 1:26.2. In the lane, Filly Forty took over for Jamaica Patton and drew away. At the wire, the 55-1 shot Filly Forty won by daylight. Rousey Ronda got up for second while Ladys Party held third. The final time for the mile was 1:53.3. Filly Forty is owned and trained by Dossie Minor.
(With files from Hawthorne Race Course)