by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Balmoral Park

Crete, IL — What a difference a week makes.

After struggling with the turns and the footing on the half-mile oval in the Maywood Pace last week, Megan Rogers Racing Stables’ Unlocked looked like his old self again on Saturday night (June 28) at Balmoral Park as he completely dismantled eight other ICF 3-year-old colt pacers while taking the $10,000 Betzotic Stake by 12-1/2 lengths in a career best of 1:50 over a track listed as good.

David Baum photo

Hall of Famer Dave Magee guided Unlocked to a 12-1/2 length romp in a career best of 1:50 in Saturday’s Betzotic Stake.

Eased away in fourth while a hard leaving Cotton Eyed Joe (Robert Smolin) led the field through an opening quarter in :28.1, driver Dave Magee did not wait long before sending Unlocked to the top as the field straightened up for their journey down the backstretch.

Moving like a freight train the son of Duneside Perch-Miss Major Power effortlessly rattled off an eye catching :53.1 middle half while putting up splits of :55.2 and 1:22.1.

With a six length advantage turning for home, Unlocked proceeded to widen his lead while finishing off his romp with a :27.4 final quarter despite being under a snug hold from Magee. Sleazeburgernfries (Kyle Wilfong) shook loose late to head up the beaten brigade while Cotton Eyed Joe was third.

Despite the disappointing effort last week, the Erv Miller trainee was pounded at the betting windows again, returning just $2.40, $2.20 and $2.10, running his career record to 7-6-0 in 18 starts with earnings of $118,672.