by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Maywood Park

Melrose Park, IL — Some of Illinois’ finest older pacers will be in action at Maywood Park on Friday, August 27, as Redbud Stable and Michael McNeely’s Thisbigdogwilfight leads a field of nine postward in the featured ninth race, the $30,000 Egyptian Stake.

Maywood Park photo

Thisbigdogwilfight will look to continue his dominance among Illinois conceived and foaled pacers when he takes on eight rivals in Friday’s $30,000 Egyptian Stake at Maywood.

Fresh off his 10th victory in 14 starts this year Thisbigdogwilfight has been installed as the 2-1 morning line favorite from post position two. The 7-year-old son of The Big Dog stopped the clock in a seasonal best of 1:49.3 in his latest triumph, winning for the 45th time in 114 career starts. The Jim Eaton trainee has now amassed over $845,000 in career earnings.

Engel Stables’ Mucho Sleazy returns to town after his Meadowlands campaign and this rugged 5-year-old is always a force in these state-bred events. The Paul Stafford trained Mucho Sleazy was fifth in a $30,000 Preferred at the Big M last week, pacing his mile in 1:49.1. The leading money winner in the field with a career bankroll of just over $876,000 this son of Sportsmaster has 19 lifetime victories to his credit.

Rounding out the field from the rail out for Friday’s $30,000 Egyptian Stake are Well To Do Guru, Sports Fanatic, Smiling Bob, Fort Silky, Omaha Survivor, Indescribable and Rich N Flashy.

Fans can also watch and wager on the racing action from the Du Quoin State Fair on Friday night. Complete past performances for the 7 p.m. card can be found on pages 33-43 of Friday’s Maywood Park program.