The evening opened with the first division of leg two action in the David Magee series for harness racing three-year-old Illinois-bred pacing fillies.
A field of eight lined up as C Far, a second-place finisher in leg one, was sent off as the favorite. Leaving for the lead was the favorite but Smiles Ahead was quicker to the front through the opening quarter in 29.1. On the backstretch, Kyle Wilfong kept Smiles Ahead on top through the half in :58.4. After three quarters in 1:27.2, C Far was asked to challenge while three wide. Battling through the lane, C Far just got up in time, winning by a neck for driver/trainer Gary Rath. Smiles Ahead finished second while Jewels Hall closed for third. Final time for the mile was 1:56.1.
Race three was the second division of leg two of the David Magee as leg one winner Lady's Party was sent off as the heavy favorite. Getting away quickly was Lady's Party and Casey Leonard but she was challenged early by Rousey Ronda. Lady's Party covered the opening quarter in :28.3 and dictated the pace through a half in :58.3. On the far turn, Lady's Party continued to be pressed by Rousey Ronda through three quarters in 1:27.4. Roused into the lane, Lady's Party responded and drew clear, winning by five lengths in 1:55.3. Rousey Ronda was a clear second while Beamer N Bud finished third. Lady's Party is trained by Mike Titus.
Race seven drew a field of 11 to contest the second leg of the Walter Paisley series for filly and mare pacers. Phyllis Jean was favored from the outside draw. At the start, Burry Me Inthesand set the pace through a quarter in :27.4 and a half in :57.0. On the turn, Alabamashakey moved to contend and headed Burry Me Inthesand through three quarters in 1:26.0. In the stretch, Burry Me Inthesand regained her advantage and opened up on the lead but Phyllis Jean came flying on the outside for driver Casey Leonard to roll on to a two and a half length win in 1:53.3. Burry Me Inthesand held on for second while Hope Hotspur finished third.
Multi-Win Evenings
Drivers – Casey Leonard (4 Wins)
Race Winners
Race 1 – C Far (1:56.1)
Race 2 – Doyoudesiremyheart (1:55.1)
Race 3 – Lady's Party (1:55.3)
Race 4 – PJ Boy (2:01.1)
Race 5 – Just Bogo (1:58.1)
Race 6 – Dumas Gram (1:55.3)
Race 7 – Phyllis Jean (1:53.3)
Race 8 – Sharkfire (1:55.0)
Race 9 – Look At Luke Smile (1:57.0)
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 (708) 780-3671, JimMiller@ClubHawthorne.com