by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Balmoral Park

Crete, IL — Coming into Saturday’s (May 1) $14,000 Rambling Willie stake with three straight Free For All victories under his belt, Redbud Stable and Michael Mcneely’s Thisbigdogwilfight figured to be an overwhelming choice with the move back into the state-bred ranks. The 7-year-old gelding proved to be just that as he was hammered down to 2-5 at the betting windows and the gelded son of The Big Dog did not disappoint as he cruised to a deceptively easy one length victory in 1:51.2.

Balmoral Park photo

Thisbigdogwilfight had no trouble dispatching four other state bred pacers in Saturday’s $14,000 Rambling Willie stake at Balmoral Park.

Floating to the front from post position four as Fort Silky (Marcus Miller) showed the way through a quick opening split of :26.4, driver John De Long grabbed command with the Jim Eaton trainee soon after the opening panel. Proceeding to effortlessly rattle off middle splits of :54.3 and 1:23.3, the long striding bay gelding was comfortably in front as the field turned for home.

On cruise control for his pilot the rest of the way Thisbigdogwilfight paced home in :27.4 to make it four straight wins to open his 2010 campaign. Fort Silky turned a pocket sitting journey into the place check while last year’s 3-year-old sensation Park Lane Deputy (Dale Hiteman) was a non-threatening third, five lengths behind the winner.

The win was the 39th in 104 career starts for the 7-year-old gelding who now boasts $782,650 in earnings during his illustrious career.