by Tom Kelley, Balmoral Park Publicity Department

With the “buzz” surrounding the Fighting Illini and their march towards the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship it figures to be a festive atmosphere on Saturday night at Balmoral Park . A pair of top class events highlight the 12-race program which gets underway at 7:40

World Record holder Quik Pulse Mindale (2) headlines Saturday’s card.

Headlining the card is the ninth race which brings out Lloyd Arnold’s World Record holder Quik Pulse Mindale. The four-year-old son of Jenna’s Beach Boy etched his name into harness racing’s record books when he stopped the clock in a blazing 1:48.0 here at Balmoral Park on September 25, 2004. That clocking also made him the fastest pacer in the long and storied history of the Crete oval. Acquired early last season by his current owner, this long striding colt put together a wonderful sophomore record of 12-4-1 in 19 starts while earning $702,225. Under the guidance of conditioner Mike Arnold Quik Pulse Mindale prepared for his 2005 debut with a pair of strong qualifiers here at Balmoral.

Although long in tooth David Yohe & Wilson Racing Stables Color Me Best once again showed why he’s considered one of the best and toughest pacers of all time with a game win in 1:50.4 over much of this same field in last week’s FFA. Given a heady steer by his trainer Tim Wilson Jr., this 10-year-old gelding paced home in 26.3 to record his 57 th career win. A World Record holder as well, this son of Cambest sports career earnings of $1,403,074 and he is still the fastest pacing gelding in the history of the sport with a mark of 1:48 which he set way back in July of 1999.

Rounding out the field for Saturday’s Free For All are Odds On Dana, Pulse, Go Warrior Go, Constant Change, Big Sham and Foxy Maneuver.

The ladies will also have their turn to shine on Saturday night as a field of six distaffers head postward in the second race a $15,250 Open-Handicap.

Thomas Gerdman & Elaine Nauf’s Cinder Best figures to be the one to beat in this match-up as she looks to make amends for a tough loss as the 4-5 choice last week. The classy eight-year-old came up a half-length short in that tussle despite pacing her final half in 55.0. The Seldon Ledford trainee was an impressive winner here two starts back stopping the clock in a speedy 1:51.4. A career winner of almost $750,000 this daughter of Cambest is a two-time champion of the Fairy Godmother Stake here at Balmoral Park .

James Rowney’s tough as nails mare Lou Annie pulled off the upset over this group last week and repeat is not out of the question. The state-bred daughter of Doc’s Hop is off to a fast start this season with four wins and a second in eight starts which has pushed her career bankroll over the $377,000 plateau.

Rounding out the field for the Filly & Mare Open are Joliet Jean, Ashley Mack, Rhonda and Shezahotmark.