A pair of three-year-old trotting events shared top billing on Sunday, September 26 at Balmoral Park, as six sophomore trotting colts battled in the $19,500 Su Mac Lad consolation while seven of their female counterparts were sent postward in the $17,900 Lady Ann Reed consolation.
Taking home top honours in the Su Mac Lad consolation was Paula Smith, James Runyan and Gary Engel’s Fox Valley Solomon, as he reported home with a two-length triumph in a career best 1:58.4.
Given a signature Dale Hiteman drive, the son of International Chip--Super Renee took advantage of the inside starting spot. He managed to save ground the entire way while sitting in the garden spot. Wolf Creek Pass (driven by Brian Carpenter) rolled through splits of :29.1, :59.4 and 1:29.
Having found room late, the Joel Smith trainee zipped right by Wolf Creek Pass and recorded his fourth win in 18 starts this season. Wolf Creek Pass held on for second while Dutch Commander (JD Lewis) was third.
In the Lady Ann Reed consolation Trenton, Brenda and Braden Watson’s St Louis Holiday was given a perfect steer by driver Art Gregory, Jr., as she went wire to wire in 1:59.1.
Trotting right to the top from Post 1, the daughter of Vaporize--Never Ms Still cruised through leisurely splits of :28.4, :59 and 1:29.4 and then continued on strong to the wire. She reported home with a two and three-quarter-length verdict. Fox Valley Sienna (David Avenatti) came on late to be the bridesmaid while Claires Rose (Marcus Miller) was third. The win was the second in 24 starts for the Trenton Watson trainee.
The 10 Cent High 5 wager was not hit on the Sunday card thanks in part to 37-1 and 34-1 longshots Fin Riziel and Slinginsand finishing first and second in Race 10. That means $9,044 will be added to the jackpot for Wednesday’s 10 Cent High 5. Balmoral officials are expecting that pool to be in excess of $35,000. The 10 Cent High 5 takes place on Race 10 each night at both Balmoral and Maywood Park.
(Balmoral)