by Mitch Demick, for Hawthorne Racecourse

Stickney, IL — Rock And Roll Stable’s Prime Xample A completed the series sweep when she led from start to finish to win the $33,600 Sox Pacing Series final on Sunday evening (July 8) at Hawthorne Race Course.

Four Footed Fotos

Prime Xample A was an easy winner in the Sox Pacing Series final.

A quick look at the program clearly defined the game plan. In the first two legs of the series, Prime Xample A was placed on the engine, and it was game over. With Dave Magee once again driving the 5-year-old mare, it was just a matter of getting to the top without much trouble.

“I expected a couple of them to leave inside of me tonight, but I was going to let the dust settle and she got to the top fine. I just had to avoid trouble,” Magee explained following the race.

Once Prime Xample A reached the lead, the script read the same as the two prior legs and it became “catch me if you can,” and nobody could.

With the first quarter paced in :28 into a head wind, Prime Xample A was unpressured the rest of the way, and rolled to the half in :55.3. After opening four lengths coming into the stretch, Prime Xample A maintained the advantage through the lane, crossing the wire 4-1/2 lengths in front while stopping the clock in a lifetime best 1:52.3. Fox Valley Glitz, always close up, gamely held second, while Kewlgurl, saving ground throughout the mile, closed with sharp pace to edge out Jack’s Magic Jewel for third.

It was an anxious evening for Prime Xample A’s trainer Kimberly Roth, but when the overwhelming favorite lived up to her billing, Roth was as joyful as can be.

“I’m ecstatic! I was nervous all evening, but this is a thrill. She raced great, and Dave said she was more relaxed than the last time he drove her. I couldn’t be happier. I wish we could race at Hawthorne year round.”

As the 1-5 favorite, Prime Xample A paid $2.40 to win.