by Jim Miller, for Hawthorne Racecourse

Stickney, IL — A pair of series finals were contested on Thursday (May 25) at Hawthorne.

Race five was the first of two finals on the night as fillies and mares contested the Walter Paisley final for a purse of $15,800.

The pacers were led by heavy 1-5 favorite Phyllis Jean for driver Casey Leonard. Moving for the lead was the favorite as she opened up a three length lead through a quarter in :28.3. On the backstretch, Phyllis Jean maintained her advantage through the half in :57. After three-quarters in 1:25.2, Phyllis Jean was kept to task by Leonard and held off the late move of Leenah Pearl, winning in 1:53.2. Leenah Pearl was second while Burry Me Inthesand finished third.

Phyllis Jean is owned by Alan Beals and trained by Leon Walker.

Race seven on Thursday evening was the David Magee final for 3-year-old Illinois conceived and foaled pacers. Revin The Engine was a late scratch, leaving a field of nine.

Lady’s Party drew the outside but was sent away as the heavy favorite for driver Casey Leonard. Leaving for the lead was Beamer N Bud from the rail, through the quarter in :28.4. On the backstretch, Rousey Ronda moved up while Lady’s Party made a three wide move to take over after a half in :56.3. On the turn, Rousey Ronda continued to battle with Lady’s Party through three-quarters in 1:25.2. In the lane, Lady’s Party was all out as Smiles Ahead took up the chase. On the wire, Lady’s Party had just enough left to hold off Smiles Ahead. Jewels Hall rallied to finish third. Final time for the mile was 1:55.4.

Lady’s Party is owned by Mitchell Titus and Dennis Wright and trained by Mike Titus.

Casey Leonard had five winners on the program.