by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Balmoral Park

Crete, IL — The bevy of state-bred stakes action at Balmoral Park continued on Wednesday (June 17) with sophomore trotting colts getting top billing in the Mikes A Mystery Stake. With a total of 13 diagonally gaited specialists dropped into the entry box this stake was split into a pair of $9,000 divisions.

Dr McDreamy and driver-trainer Homer Hochstetler made it look easy in the first division of the Mikes A Mystery Stake.

In the first split Connie Hochstetler and Bruce and Dean Alexander’s Dr McDreamy had no trouble disposing of five rivals as he trotted to a 4-1/4 length decision in a speedy 1:55.1.

Bet as if defeat was out of the question the 1-5 favorite was hustled away from post position five by driver-trainer Homer Hochstetler. Easily making it to the top the son of American Native-Colors Of The Wind led the field through an opening quarter in :29.1. The issue was never really in doubt from that point on as this good looking colt proceeded to roll through splits of :57.4 and 1:27.

Turning for home with a 6-3/4 length advantage Dr McDreamy turned the final quarter into a stroll in the park as he cruised to his second win in five starts this year. Samuel Coe (Brandon Simpson) wound up second while Red Victor (Mike Oosting) was third.

With the victory Dr McDreamy now sports a career record of 5-5-0 in 17 starts with earnings of just under $90,000.

Balmoral Park photos

Windy Joe teamed up with Mike Oosting to make every call a winning one in the second division of the Mikes A Mystery Stake.

In the nightcap Windy Joe made every call a winning one as he reported home with a 1-1/4 length triumph in 1:58.1 for owners Kay Willis and the Brandy Pinske Stable.

Taking advantage of a miscue in the first turn by 4-5 favorite Definer driver Mike Oosting seized the opportunity by sending Windy Joe to the front as the field moved through an opening quarter in a tepid :30.4. Unchallenged through easy middle splits of :59.4 and 1:29.3 Windy Joe was still fit and fresh as he led the field into the lane.

The striking chestnut son of Valley Victor-Fox Valley Beloved was never in danger through the stretch as he trotted home in :28.3 to secure his third win in six starts this year. Welchkin (Dave Magee) parlayed a pocket sitting trip into the place check while POW (Brian Carpenter) was third.

Under the guidance of conditioner Nelson Willis, Windy Joe now has five wins and two seconds in 19 lifetime starts with earnings of $33,965.