by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Maywood Park

Melrose Park, IL — The first stake of the 2012 Maywood Park season for Illinois conceived and foaled 2-year-olds was contested on Thursday night (June 28) as a field of seven state-bred pacing fillies squared off in the $12,000 Juxtaposition Stake.

After finishing in the bridesmaid role in her last start at Balmoral Park, David Ginter’s The Bruzilian Blur turned the tables on the previously undefeated Dune In Red as she paced to a half-length victory in 1:56.4. The final time was a national season’s mark for a 2-year-old pacing filly on a half-mile track.

Maywood Park photo

Brian Carpenter and The Bruzilian Blur used the passing lane to wear down the previously undefeated Dune In Red while taking the $12,000 Juxtaposition Stake.

Taking full advantage of post position two, driver Brian Carpenter positioned the daughter of Ft Apache Hanover-Bruzzano N in the pocket while Incredible Filly (Dave Magee) charged through an opening quarter in :27.4.

Looking to get the jump on the heavily favored Dune In Red (Todd Warren), Carpenter moved his filly back to the front just after the opening panel. With a hard charging Dune In Red storming up on the outside, Carpenter allowed Dune In Red to take control of the proceedings as the youngsters hit the half-mile mark in :57.1.

The action continued as the fillies headed for the three-quarter-mile mark with Dune In Red showing the way. Magee had moved Incredible Filly back to the outside and was challenging first over while Carpenter patiently cruised along in the garden spot as the fillies reached the three-quarter-mile mark in 1:27.

After putting away the first over bid of Incredible Filly, Dune In Red looked like she might be home free as the field turned for home. Unfortunately for the chalk players, The Bruzilian Blur still had plenty left in the tank as Carpenter maneuvered her into the passing lane where she rallied gamely to notch her second career victory in four lifetime starts for Ginter, who also handles the training duties. Dune In Red was forced to settle for the bridesmaid role on this night while Thank You Doc (Dean Magee) staged a nice rally to finish third.

Overlooked in the wagering despite the second place finish in her last outing, The Bruzilian Blur returned a healthy $37.40, $7.40 and $5.20 while upping her career earnings to $10,600.