by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Balmoral Park

Crete, IL — Sunday’s $15,000 Fox Valley Memory Stake provided a thrilling finish as Joshua Carter’s Just By Design rallied in the final strides to score by a hard fought head in 1:53.3 over nine other Illinois conceived and state-bred pacing fillies.

Balmoral Park photo

Dave Magee guided Just By Design to a thrilling victory in Sunday’s $15,000 Fox Valley Memory Stake.

Sitting in mid-pack as Fox Valley Absolut (Robert Smolin) rolled through splits of :27.4, :56.4 and 1:25.4, driver Dave Magee moved to the outside as the field scooted around the final bend.

Ranging up first over to engage the leader, Magee had Just By Design sitting second, just 1-1/4 lengths off the pacesetter as the ladies straightened for the money.

Gradually wearing down the 6-5 favorite, Just By Design finally poked a head in front nearing the wire thanks in part to a strong final split of :27.2. Fox Valley Absolut was forced to settle for the bridesmaid role while Fox Valley Touche (Dale Hiteman) was a solid third.

The win was the third in 25 starts this year for the Mike Brink trained daughter of Sportsmaster who now boasts career earnings of more than $165,000.

There were no winners in Sunday’s 50 cent Pick-5 wager so Wednesday’s action will feature a carryover of $8,870, setting things up for another big pool at the Crete oval. The Pick-5 entails races 2-6 each night. Post time for the opening leg of Wednesday’s Pick-5 is scheduled to be 7:25 p.m. (CST).