by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Maywood Park

Melrose Park, IL — Illinois conceived and foaled pacing fillies took center stage at Maywood Park on Thursday night (April 23) as a field of nine state-bred sophomores battled in the $20,000 Desperate Lady Stake.

Proving that she will be a force to be reckoned with in this division Kay Willis and Richard Beere’s Native Hotspur once again rolled to a front stepping triumph as she cruised to a 1-1/2 length victory in 1:55.4.

Given a confident steer by driver Sam Widger this daughter of Ft Apache Hanover-Broadway Charisma was gunned away from post position six as four fillies all went winging away from the gate. Despite all the heated action up front Widger was intent on getting his filly into the top spot.

“I was a little concerned that many horses left especially since there were trailers in the race,” he said. “But I know she’s a top filly and I had to give her every chance to take control of things.”

Wrestling the lead away from Park Lane Rhythm (Brandon Simpson) after an opening quarter in :28.1, Native Hotspur finally glided over to the pylons as the field headed for the half-mile mark.

“Once we made the front she settled right in for me and just went about her work,” Widger explained.

In control of things through middle splits of :57 and 1:27, the Nelson Willis trained miss was well within herself despite 50-1 longshot Perky B Skipalong (Marcus Miller) looming right outside of her.

“Even with that other filly alongside of us we were able to get a third quarter breather,” Widger said. “After that I knew she was going to be awfully tough to catch.”

Widger’s confidence in his charge held true as Native Hotspur kept her rivals at bay the rest of the way to win her second race in as many tries this season. Perky B Skipalong turned in a big effort to finish second while the pocket sitting Park Lane Rhythm wound up with the show dough.

In the winner’s circle Widger had nothing but praise for his filly.

“She proved last year she had plenty of talent and I really think that she’s going to be up near the top of the division all season long if she stays healthy.”

Bet down to 3-5 Native Hotspur returned $3.20, $2.60 and $2.10 while running her career record up to 5-4-2 in 16 starts with earnings of $75,727.