by Jim Miller, for Hawthorne Race Course
Stickney, IL — Saturday evening (July 21) at Hawthorne saw a pair of divisions in leg two of the Incredible Finale. The Incredible Finale is for Illinois-bred 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers as the pair of races were contested over a fast track.
Race three was the first division of the Incredible Finale as Meyer On Fire and The Bucket battled for off-time favoritism. Sent away as the favorite was The Bucket with Casey Leonard driving. Making the early lead was Meyer On Fire as he cruised through the opening quarter in :30.2. Chased by longshot Coming Up through a half in :59.1, Meyer on Fire maintained his lead while The Bucket was well positioned in third.
Opening up a three-length lead through three-quarters in 1:28.3, Meyer On Fire led the field into the lane as The Bucket started to move. Mid-stretch, The Bucket moved alongside Meyer On Fire as Meyer On Fire broke stride and dropped back. At the wire, The Bucket was six lengths clear, winning in 1:57.2. Coming Up held second while Meyer On Fire got back on stride, finishing third.
The Bucket is owned by George Dremonas, along with trainer Ken Rucker.
Race five was the second division of the Incredible Finale as a competitive field of seven was led by favorite Maximus as Casey Leonard and Ken Rucker looked to sweep both divisions. Leaving quickly was Holden Steady, passing the opening quarter in :29.2. On the backside, Fox Valley Julius moved quickly to take over, passing the half in :59.0. After three-quarters in 1:28.3, Fox Valley Julius held a three-length lead into the lane. Mid-stretch, both Voila and Maximus tipped out and went after the leader as Maximus was closing fastest of all, winning in 1:57.2. Voila finished second while Fox Valley Julius held third. Maximus is owned by The Panhellenic Stable Corporation and Ken Rucker.
Hawthorne Race Course, Chicago’s Hometown Track, continues the summer harness season through Sept. 24. Fall thoroughbreds close out the year, running from Oct. 5 through Dec. 29. For more information, visit www.Hawthorneracecourse.com or contact Hawthorne at 708.780.3700.