by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Balmoral Park

Crete, IL — While much of the pre-race buzz may have centered around another great Illinois bred from the barn of trainer Terry Leonard, as the classy veteran Well To Do Guru made his return from a seven month layoff, it was his current star, Fort Silky, who stole the headlines during the race.

Balmoral Park photo

Casey Leonard and Fort Silky held on gamely for a wire-to-wire victory in Saturday’s $30,000 Broadway Preview Stake at Balmoral Park.

The pride of owners John Prentice and Neva Jane Ikeler rolled to a half-length victory over seven other Illinois conceived and foaled pacers in Saturday’s (June 15) $30,000 Broadway Preview Stake at Balmoral Park. The final time was 1:52.2.

Sent right to the front by driver Casey Leonard, Fort Silky had no trouble grabbing control of the proceedings, leading the field through an opening quarter in :27.1.

In total command through middle splits of :56.1 and 1:24.2, the 7-year-old son of Ft Apache Hanover shrugged off a first over bid from longshot Richess Emperor at the top of the stretch.

With plenty in reserve Fort Silky then cruised home in :28 to secure his ninth win in 18 starts this season. Whirlwind Diplomacy (Mike Oosting), who also hails from Leonard’s barn, uncorked a wicked :26.4 final quarter to finish a fast closing second after being shuffled to the back of the pack, while Gibbs (Todd Warren) finished a close up third.

The win was the 35th of Fort Silky’s career and the bay gelding has now hit the board in 15 of 18 starts in 2013. Fort Silky returned $3.20, $2.40 and $2.10 while pushing his career bankroll up to $417,295.