by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Balmoral Park
Crete, IL — The first “major” test of the 2005 stakes season for Illinois conceived and foaled trotting fillies headlines Thursday night’s action as a full field of 10 ladies battle in the $48,500 Violet Stake at Balmoral Park. Turndorf Racing’s Arcola has a pair of second place finishes in as many starts, but last year’s Two-Year-Old Trotting Filly of the Year here in Illinois appears all set to shed that bridesmaid image. The Roger Welch trained miss was given a bye into the final, but she continued to work her way into shape with a very nice qualifying win in 1:59.1. This daughter of Valley Victor has earned over $200,000 in her 17-race career and she will be handled by her regular pilot Tim Tetrick as they leave from post position four. Another Welch trainee, Victor’s Pursuit, has turned heads this year and this good looking sophomore figures to be a major player in this battle. Unraced as a two-year-old, this Valley Victor miss has posted five wins in seven starts since hitting the track back in March. The only blemishes on her impressive record have come when she’s made breaks, so minding her manners will be imperative if she’s going to be adding to the account of owners Robert Rietveld and Paul Gibson. Others who figure to make their presence felt in this match-up are Jerry and Helen Logan’s Kan Fancy, a front stepping winner in 1:58.1 over a sloppy track in last week’s elimination; Patricia Jenks and Brianna Walton’s Silhouette Star, a winner of over $73,000 last season; Mary Lea Jeffers’ Pa-High, an ultra consistent filly who has been in the money in 14 of 19 career starts; and Alice Roberts’ His Mssse Ja, a lightly raced filly with a wealth of ability as shown by her Lady Lincoln Land elimination win late last year.