by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Balmoral Park

Crete, IL — Illinois conceived and foaled stakes action continued on Sunday (June 14) at Balmoral Park as a full field of 10 2-year-old pacing fillies made their career debuts in the $4,000 Misty Misty Misty Stake.

David Baum photo

Foxvalleytiramisu held on gamely to post a neck decision in Sunday’s Misty Misty Misty Stake at Balmoral Park.

After a heated battle it was Ron Phillips and John Carver’s highly regarded youngster Foxvalleytiramisu who wound up with a neck in front at the wire, prevailing in a snappy 1:56.3 after a thrilling stretch drive.

Confidently handled by driver Robert Smolin, the daughter of Sportsmaster-Theladyappealstome shot right to the top from post position six, carving out very evenly rated splits of :29, :59.1 and 1:27.4 for the recent member of the 1,000 win club.

As a host of foes began to close in on her through the stretch, the full sister to such Illinois bred stars as Fox Valley Topaz, Fox Valley Appeal and Fox Valley Escort dug in gamely, turning aside bids from the favored pocket sitting Fox Valley Addison (Todd Warren) and late rushing longshots Lexington Lady (John De Long) and Char N Marg (Casey Leonard).

With the fillies spread four across the track the Robert Phillips trainee managed to keep her neck in front while down at the pylons, making her career debut a winning one for her proud connections.

Lexington Lady, a $2,500 yearling purchase, overcame post position nine to finish a fast closing second while Fox Valley Addison held on for third. Char N Marg also turned some heads as she flew home in :27.1 to wind up just a half-length back at 28-1.

Sent off as the second choice in the wagering after posting a win and a second in her preps leading up to Sunday’s debut, Foxvalleytiramisu returned $7.20, $4.00 and $2.60 while opening her bankroll.