by Timothy M, Jones, USTA Web Newsroom Senior Correspondent

Springfield, IL — “Queen Bee, pleasure to be around, and awesome,” are just a few of the superlatives owner Paula Smith uses to describe the sophomore trotting filly Fox Valley Lover.

The Vaporize-Love You More filly has been arguably dominant in the Illinois conceived and foaled ranks this year. She has won seven of nine 3-year-old starts. Combined freshman and sophomore earnings approach $180,000.

Balmoral Park photo

Fox Valley Lover was a 1:56 winner in the Fox Valley Evita stake.

A third place finish in the Hanover as the betting public’s favorite was followed by an impressive come from behind win in the $50,000 Fox Valley Evita stake August 2, also at Balmoral Park.

Driver Dale Hiteman swung the trotting miss three-wide heading into the stretch, and from the middle of the racetrack the Joel Smith trainee was able to pick off rivals and prevail by three-quarters of a length in 1:56.

Paula, Joel’s wife and majority owner, wasn’t able to make it to Balmoral that evening, but was “jumping up and down” with excitement in their living room encouraging the filly during the dramatic stretch drive.

“She’s awesome!” proclaimed Paula describing the prize mare she co-owns with James Runyan. “I love to watch her race and just really enjoy her.”

“In the Hanover she was just a little sore — which happens from time to time. But she tries hard no matter what. She’s not a big mare either. Medium/small is what I’d call her. A nice looking little mare — put together right.”

And what does one “nice looking little mare” do after a $50,000 stakes win? She gets turned out on Smith’s 38 acre farm.

“She was running around, screaming, jumping, carrying on, and acting silly,” laughed Paula.

Springfield and the Illinois State Fair Colt Stakes are next on Fox Valley Lover’s schedule. Then Du Quoin, and “if she keeps racing well,” the Smiths’ hopes are to point her toward Balmoral Park’s Super Night in September.

“She has a lot of stake racing to do, but will go through the Harrisburg sale at the end of her 3-year-old season,” explained Paula. “There’s just nothing for a 4-year-old trotting mare in Illinois.”

But for now, “we are enjoying the ride.”