The 2017 Suburban Downs at Hawthorne stakes season kicked off on Friday night as two divisions of leg one of the Plum Peachy Eliminations took place. The Plum Peachy is for Illinois-bred harness racing three-year-old filly pacers.
Race six on Friday was the first of the divisions as a field of ten lined up behind the gate. Illinois Champ from 2016, Princess Sage was making her 2017 debut and was sent away as the favorite for driver-trainer Freddie Patton Jr. Leaving for the lead was the favorite 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. Dandy's 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 ten was the second division of leg one of the Plum Peachy stakes with a field of eleven. Favored Lady's Party was riding a three race win streak into this spot as she started from the second tier for driver Casey Leonard. Getting away for the lead was Rousey Ronda as she covered the quarter in :29.1. On the backside, Lady's Party quickly moved to the front, to battle the half through :57.3. On the turn, Lady's 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 as Lady's Party held third. Final time for the mile was 1:53.3. Filly Forty is owned and trained by Dossie Minor.
Multi-Win Evenings
Drivers – Mike Oosting (2 Wins), James Lackey (2 Wins), Kyle Husted (2 Wins)
Race Winners
Race 1 – Sgt Grit (1:56.0)
Race 2 – Bettormeboy (1:53.0)
Race 3 – Major Bliss (1:52.4)
Race 4 – Luke's Rocketman (1:54.4)
Race 5 – Heartland Revenue (1:54.1)
Race 6 – Fancy Creek Jolene (1:55.1)
Race 7 – Rocken Camnation (1:52.4)
Race 8 – KC Rambunctious Boy (1:53.1)
Race 9 – Coal Hanover (1:51.2)
Race 10 – Filly Forty (1:53.3)
Race 11 – Skim The Top (1:52.0)
Race 12 – Major Legacy (1:52.3)
ABOUT HAWTHORNE RACE COURSE
Founded in 1891, Hawthorne Race Course is the 4th oldest racetrack in the nation and the oldest sporting venue in Illinois. Located in Stickney, Illinois on the edge of Chicago's city limits, the 126 year old facility hosts thoroughbred racing in March and April and again in October through Dec. Standardbred harness racing is conducted in May through September. The family-owned and operated business has been an innovator in horseracing for more than 100 years and features the nation's most rewarding players program. For additional information: www.HawthorneRaceCourse.com | Facebook.com/ClubHawthorne | @ClubHawthorne.
Jim Miller