by Jim Miller, for Hawthorne Race Course

Stickney, IL — Juvenile pacers were the focus on the big 13-race card Saturday evening (July 8) at Hawthorne.

Colts and geldings were the focus on race six on Saturday in the $29,800 Cardinal final. Backstreet Lawyer was scratched, leaving a field of nine. Fox Valley Gemini took all of the wagering action and was sent away as the heavy favorite. Prior to the start of the race, there was a recall as Molina and Thebestmanicanbe locked wheels, requiring driver Kyle Husted to return to the paddock for a new race bike.

Leaving for the lead in the Cardinal final was Bootleg Island, but Thebestmanicanbe moved to challenge the quarter in :30.2. On the backside, favored Fox Valley Gemini and Casey Leonard took over briefly but was then headed by Dandy Dude through a half in :59.1. On the turn, Mykonos provided to fresh challenge to Dandy Dude past three-quarters in 1:27.4. In the lane, Dandy Dude was all out but Fox Valley Gemini came back and won by a length on the wire in 1:54.4. Dandy Dude was second while Beach Shootingstar finished third.

Fox Valley Gemini (Yankee Skyscaper-Epona) is owned by Jim Ballinger and trained by Terry Leonard.

Race seven was the Violet final for 2-year-old filly pacers with a field of nine after the scratch of Allbeastnobeauty. Favored was Rollin Coal with Casey Leonard driving. Making the lead was the favorite as she had to work to make the top through the quarter in :29.2. On the backstretch, Rollin Coal maintained her advantage, covering the half in 1:00.1. After the second quarter breather, Rollin Coal faced a challenge from longshot Shelby Rae through three quarters in 1:28.4. In the lane, Rollin Coal was roused and drew away, winning by four lengths over The New Americana. JB’s Shooting Star finished third.

Rollin Coal (Sagebrush-Emission Control) is owned and trained by Hosea Williams.