by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Balmoral Park

Crete, IL — Quaid Racing’s Jake Quaider continued his late season surge as he knocked off six other Illinois conceived and foaled 2-year-old trotting colts by 1-1/2 lengths in Wednesday’s (Oct. 29) $40,200 Cardinal Stake at Balmoral Park. The final time was 1:58.2.

REB Photo

Casey Leonard and Jake Quaider made it look easy in Wednesday’s $40,200 Cardinal Stake for 2-year-old trotting colts.

Confidently handled by leading driver Casey Leonard, the altered son of Photo Color-Grace Elizabeth was placed in mid-pack while Powerful Above All (Todd Warren) led the field through splits of :29.2 and :59.1.

Getting underway while following live cover from his main rival RT Habanero (Dave Magee) as the field moved around the final bend, Leonard was able to drop in right behind that colt as the pair quickly swallowed up a tiring Powerful Above All while rolling by the three-quarter-mile mark in 1:29.1.

Through the lane Jake Quaider effortlessly began to reel in RT Habanero, cruising right by that one while under very minimal urging from Leonard for his third win in eight trips postward. RT Habanero was forced to settle for the runner-up role while Captain Greedy (JD Finn) was a distant third, 5-1/4 lengths behind the winner.

Now under the guidance of veteran conditioner Nelson Willis after starting his career in the barn of Ervin Miller, Jake Quaider boasts a record of 3-2-2 in eight starts with earnings of $51,560. Bet as though defeat was out of the question, Jake Quaider returned $2.60, $2.10 and $2.10.

The 10-cent Hi-Five was not hit on the night’s final race so there will be a carryover of more than $9,600 added to Saturday’s Hi-Five wager at Balmoral Park. The Hi-Five, the “ultimate get-out” wager will be held on race 13 on Saturday’s Balmoral Park card.