Race two on Friday was the second leg of the Daryl Busse series for harness racing three-year-old trotters as a competitive field of seven lined up. Taking early action and sent away as the favorite was Dr Spengler for driver Kyle Wilfong. At the start, Picky Picky Valor headed for the lead and covered the quarter in :32.0. Early on the backstretch, favored Dr Spengler moved to contend while hung wide through a half in 1:01.0. Into the turn, Dr Spengler broke stride, leaving Picky Picky Valor back on the lead through three quarters in 1:30.4. In the lane, Bands Houdini and Kyle Husted tipped out and took over as Picky Picky Valor broke stride. Bands Houdini was the easy winner in 2:00.2 over late closing Totally Pazzazzed. Southern Stargazer finished third. Bands Houdini is trained by Steve Searle and owned in partnership by Searle and Flacco Family Farms, LLC.
Race three on Friday was the second leg of the Bea Farber series for trotters with a field of eight. Energy Bar took late action and was sent away as the favorite from the inside draw. Leaving quickly from the outside was Hatfield and Mccoy but BC's Da Winner made the lead, covering the quarter in :29.0. BC's Da Winner maintained his lead through the half in :59.1. On the turn, Energy Bar moved to challenge through three quarters in 1:28.4. In the lane, BC's Da Winner battled on, but I Could Care Less and driver Keith Crawford rolled up in the center of the track and cruised on by to a victory in 1:58.4. Energy Bar got up for second while BC's Da Winner held on for third.
Race four featured open pacers with a field of eight. Evergreen Elite was the favorite from the barn of trainer Ken Rucker. Leaving for the lead was Yankee Bounty, but Evergreen Elite rushed away to the front through the quarter in :27.2. On the backside, Account Rollover moved to challenge through a snappy half in :55.3. Evergreen Elite fought back on the turn and led the field into the lane in 1:24.0. In the stretch, Evergreen Elite and Mike Oosting battled on, drawing clear to win in 1:53. Yankee Bounty finished second while I'm An Athlete closed for third.
Evergreen Elite
Multi-Win Evenings
Drivers – Casey Leonard (3 Wins), Kyle Wilfong (2 Wins), Mike Oosting (2 Wins)
Trainers – Dane May (2 Wins)
Race Winners
Race 1 – Dinky Dune (1:54.3)
Race 2 – Bands Houdini (2:00.2)
Race 3 – I Could Care Less (1:58.4)
Race 4 – Evergreen Elite (1:53.0)
Race 5 – IYQ YQR (1:54.0)
Race 6 – Dakota Roadster (1:53.2)
Race 7 – Wildcat Hilton (1:55.)
Race 8 – Want Me (1:53.3)
Race 9 – Trashytonguetalker (1:53.4)
Race 10 – Outlawdangruswatrs (1:55.4)
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