by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Balmoral Park

Crete, IL — Jubilation quickly turned to heartbreak in a pair of trotting events at Balmoral Park on Wednesday, July 9 as a pair of diamond gaiters looked to be home free only to have late miscues cost them what looked to be sure victories in these state-bred stake events.

Balmoral Park photo

Bailey’s Wish and Dave Magee took advantage of a late break by Macie Rae (inside) to win the $10,000 Fox Valley Diva Stake in 1:56.1.

The three-quarter-length triumph in a career best of 1:56.1 pushed the daughter of Southwind Breeze—Jen’s career record to 7-6-3 in 22 starts for owners James Bafia and Eugene White. The good looking brown filly has also banked a hefty $151,983 while under the guidance of conditioner Dirk Simpson who is zeroing in on the 1,000 victory plateau.

In the first of two $5,000 divisions of the Psychic Spirit Stake for ICF 2-year-old trotting colts Southrncomfortzone (John De Long) looked to be home free after a pocket sitting journey behind Captain Greedy and driver-trainer J.D. Finn. That’s when disaster struck for that colt as he “jumped it off” allowing Captain Greedy, who had put up splits of 29.3, 1:00.2 & 1:31.2 to reclaim the lead and cruise to a six-length triumph in 1:59.4. Cardinal Yankee (Mike Brink) rallied to be second while Pizzalicious (Dale Hiteman) was moved from fourth to third because of the disqualification of Southrncomfortzone.

The win was the third in four starts for the son of Yankee Valor—Tropical Trixie who now has $6,692 in career earnings.

The second division of the Psychic Spirit proved to be far less dramatic as the Herman Wheeler owned and trainer Fox Valley Qatar made it three in a row to open his career posting an impressive 2-3/4 length victory in a career best of 1:58.3.

After saving ground while Allpowernoemotion (Ronnie Gillespie) put up splits of 30.1, 1:00 & 1:29.2 Warren eased Fox Valley Qatar through the passing lane and the gelded son of Pizzazzed—Armbro Bahrain responded beautifully as he charged right by the tiring pace setter for an easy score. Allpowernoemotion held on for second while RT Habenero (Robert Taylor) rallied to be third.

Fox Valley Qatar now sports career earnings of $5,625 and looks like he’ll be the one to beat heading into the State Fair Stakes at Springfield in August.