by Jim Miller, for Hawthorne Racecourse

Stickney, IL — Sunday night (July 9) at Hawthorne the focus was on the 2-year-olds as trotters took to the track in the Violet and Cardinal finals.

Race four was the Violet final for 2-year-old filly trotters as a full field of ten lined up. The heavy favorite from the inside was Maui Mama with Casey Leonard in the bike.

Getting away for the lead in the Violet was Fox Valley Persia, as she covered the opening quarter in :30.2. On the backstretch, Fox Valley Persia was pressed by Maui Mama as the favorite led to the half in 1:00.1. On the turn, Maui Mama continued to lead, passing three-quarters in 1:30.2. In the stretch, Maui Mama was asked, and responded, winning by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:59.1. Good Design closed to finish second while Fox Valley Persia was third. Maui Mama is owned by H. W. Wright and trained by Mike Brink.

Race six was the Cardinal final for 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters. Getting away quickly and opening up was True Detective and Casey Leonard, covering the quarter in :31.2 and half in 1:03.1. After the easy half, True Detective had his way through three-quarters in 1:33.3. In the lane, True Detective remained well clear, winning in hand in 2:01.2. Vic’s Pizza rallied to finish second while Cruzen Cassi was third. True Detective is owned by Dr. Patrick Graham and trained by Curt Grummel.