by Jim Miller, for Hawthorne Race Course

Stickney, IL — Three-year-old trotters were the focus on Thursday evening (July 14) at Hawthorne. Colts and geldings were featured in the $20,300 Cardinal Stakes while fillies were featured in the $18,500 Violet Stakes. Both races were contested over a fast track.

First up were the boys in the Cardinal final as Fear was the heavy favorite in the field of 10 for driver Todd Warren. Fear was sent away as the 1-5 choice.

Prior to the start, both Storm Winds and Wrightwood broke stride. Setting the pace was Mr Strata as he had to work for the lead through the quarter in :29.1. Moving on the backside was Hail Caesar to grab a brief lead but Fear moved to take over through the half in :57.3.

On the turn, Fear was challenged by Primed N Powerful through three-quarters in 1:27.4. In the lane, Fear was pushed along by Primed N Powerful and Hail Caesar. Late in the lane Hail Caesar got out for driver Casey Leonard and was able catch Fear on the wire. The 99-1 shot Bands Ariston closed to finish third. Final time was 1:59.

After the race, the inquiry sign was posted as the stewards looked at Hail Caesar late in the stretch for possible interference to Primed N Powerful. After a lengthy review, the result stood. Owned by H W Wright and trained by Mike Brink, Hail Caesar returned $7.20, $2.60 and $2.80. Fear paid $2.10 and $2.10. Bands Ariston returned $11.00 to show.

The Violet Stakes for 3-year-old filly trotters had a full field of 10 as favoritism jumped around between multiple horses. At post time, Vengeful was the favorite with Todd Warren driving.

Leaving for the lead was Awfully Emotional to grab the lead after a quarter in :29.3. On the backside, Vengeful took command through the half in :59.3. On the turn, Surviver Di moved up aside Vengeful to challenge through three-quarters in 1:29. In the stretch, Vengeful shortened as Surviver Di rallied for Kyle Husted and took over late. Fox Valley Mirage got up for second while Vengeful finished third. Final time for the mile was 1:59.3.

Owned by Steven Renard and trained by Steve Searle, Surviver Di paid $16.80, $10.60 and $4.20. Fox Valley Mirage came back $44.00 and $10.20. Vengeful paid $2.40 to show.