by Dean A. Hoffman

Mark Hall photo

Glidemaster pulls away in the lane to win his Kentucky Futurity elimination.

Lexington, KY — Glidemaster took the opening elimination of the 114th Kentucky Futurity on Saturday (Oct. 7) at The Red Mile, winning for trainer Blair Burgess and driver John Campbell in 1:53.1.

The Hambletonian winner was made the favorite by the betting public and performed up to expectations as he won easily. His rival Chocolatier broke stride in the stretch after leading past the quarter-mile marker.

Blue Mac Lad finished second while Berto Primo grabbed third. Fourth place finisher Johnny Muscles and fifth place finisher Algiers Hall also advanced to the second heat. Chocolatier wound up sixth and did not advance.

Mark Hall photo

E L Mikko was a 1:53.4 winner.

E L Mikko took the second elimination with a mile in 1:53.4 for driver Tim Tetrick. The sophomore son of Yankee Glide prevailed over fast-closing Make You Mine and Global Glide. Fourth and fifth place finishers Wildwood Days and Man About Town also qualified for the second heat.

Matchstick Man and driver Ray Schnittker set all the fractions but faded in the stretch to sixth.

Dennis Rich trains E L Mikko for Erkki Laakkonen of Georgetown, Ontario. The winner paid $12.60, $5.00, and $4.40.