by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Balmoral Park

Crete, IL — Fresh off an impressive win in his career debut in last week’s $6,000 Bingo Johnnie Stake, Bart Seales’ Unlocked continued to impress fans of the Chicago circuit as he rolled to a decisive eight length victory in Sunday’s (June 16) $15,000 Wicked Brew Stake.

The final time of 1:53.3 was the fastest mile of the year by any 2-year-old in North America as of Sunday night.

Balmoral Park photo

Kyle Husted and Unlocked had no trouble disposing of eight other ICF 2-year-old pacing colts in Sunday’s $15,000 Wicked Brew Stake.

Placed in mid-pack by driver Kyle Husted, the homebred son of Duneside Perch-Miss Major Power used a huge backside brush to sweep by early leaders Wimpy Doodle (Art Gregory, Jr.) and Diddy Dune (Jamaica Patton) as those two exchanged stints on the front end through opening splits of :28.3 and :56.3.

Heading around the final bend the Curtis Rice trainee blew right by the pacesetters, quickly opening up a five length advantage while speeding by the three-quarter-mile mark in 1:25.

With nothing but the clear crisp Crete air between themselves and a second straight victory, Husted and Unlocked set sail for the wire, finishing off their rivals with an effortless :28.3 final quarter to keep their perfect record intact. Cotton Eyed Joe (Robert Smolin) came on late to finish a strong second while longshot Bloodbath Mcgrath (John De Long) rallied late to pick up the show dough.

Hammered at the betting windows after that impressive win his career debut, Unlocked returned $3.60, $2.60 and $2.40 to his legion of backers.