by Mike Paradise, for the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association

Hinsdale, IL — Illinois’ No. 1 freshman filly pacer will get the chance to compete on next month’s American-National Night at Balmoral Park.

“Dick (owner Balog) has decided to supplement Pardon to the American-National,” said the talented filly’s trainer Dirk Simpson. “We talked about it and Dick says she deserved the opportunity to race in the American-National and I agree. The filly has earned it. Pardon has been incredible. She has had an amazing year for us.”

Indeed Pardon has.

Balmoral Park photo

Pardon has won 13 of 14 races in 2010, with earnings of $183,308.

The filly has racked up victories in 13 of her first 14 career starts, banking $183,308 for her Saint Charles, Illinois owner and breeder. Pardon, a daughter of Richess Hanover, is out of Balog’s Dragon’s Lair mare Rose Dawson.

“The American-National will be her last race for the year,” added Simpson. “It’s an $8,000 supplement fee and they’re now saying the final will go for more like $90,000 than the $145,000 they previously estimated but she has earned the opportunity to race against some of the top open company fillies in the country.”

After rattling off victories in her first eight career starts, which included a division of the Hanover, a sweep of Balmoral’s Loyal Opposition stake and the State Fair races at Springfield, a division of the Director’s Award at Du Quoin, and an Orange and Blue elimination, was Simpson thinking he might be conditioning the 2010 Illinois Horse of the Year?

“It was in the back of my mind until Joel (trainer Smith) beat me in the Orange and Blue on Super Night (with Fox Valley Touche),” Dirk answered. “However Pardon came back and beat Joel’s filly the last three starts, so she’s right up there again for that top honor.”

Pardon is one of the major candidates for Illinois Horse of the Year. The other chief contender is the Robert Taylor gifted freshman trainee My Miss Caroline. Both fillies have been beaten only once in their first season campaigns.

If Pardon does go on to capture the American-National on Nov. 13 at Balmoral, it could be the triumph that might give the filly the edge to advance to the Illinois throne.

Ironically, Pardon’s Hall of Fame driver Dave Magee also guides My Miss Caroline.

“Dave has had high praises for Pardon all season long and they’ve gotten along great with each other,” continued the 53-year-old natïve of Fairfield, Illinois. “Dave and Pardon has been a perfect match-up between horse and driver.”

The filly freshman pace is one of six championships to be decided at Balmoral Park on Saturday, Nov. 13, on American-National Night. Also on tap are the $250,000 3-year-old colt pace, the $200,000 open pace, $190,000 3-year-old filly pace, the $170,000 open trot and the $150,000 2-year-old colt pace.

All the added money event purses are estimated.

— Mike Paradise writes a daily column for the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association at www.harnessillinois.com.