by Jim Miller, for Hawthorne Race Course

Stickney, IL — On Friday (July 1) evening over a fast track, Illinois-bred 3-year-old pacing fillies were on display in leg two of the Plum Peachy stakes. Two divisions were set to compete.

In the first division, Ashlee’s Fine Lady was sent off as the favorite. Leaving quickly was Bucklegirl Bobetter as she cleared the lead through a quarter in :28.4 and half in :59.1. Favored Ashlee’s Fine Lady moved to challenge on the turn as Bucklegirl Bobette battled through three quarters in 1:27.2. All out late, Bucklegirl Bobette dug in gamely for Kyle Wilfong to hold on for the victory in 1:54.4. Dandy’s Diva finished second while LK’s Nancy Lee was third.

Trained by Robert Walker, Bucklegirl Bobette returned $8.60, $8.80 and $5.40. Dandy’s Diva paid $9.80 and $7.40 while LK’s Nancy Lee returned $3.40 to show.

In the second division, Dakota Sleek was scratched leaving a field of seven as Char N Marg was the favorite. Art Angel Baby made the lead through the quarter in :28.1. At the half, favorite Char N Marg took over for Casey Leonard in :57. After three quarters in 1:25.3, Char N Marg led the field into the lane and opened up. Drawing clear late, Char N Marg won easily in 1:53.1. Likeafireballshot rallied for second while Whiskersonkittens finished third.

Owned by Quaid Racing LLC and trained by Nelson Willis, Char N Marg returned $3.60, $2.80, and $2.20. Likeafireballshot came back $5.80 and $3.80 while Whiskersonkittens paid $3.40 to show.

Reminder: This Sunday (July 3) first post will be 7:00 p.m. with a special 14-race card.