by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Balmoral Park

Crete, IL — Fans had their first look at some of this season’s Illinois conceived and foaled 2-year-old colt pacing crop on Sunday night (June 5) at Balmoral Park as a field of seven youngsters squared off in the $5,000 Jimmy Sunshine Stake.

Balmoral Park photo

Marcus Miller guided Al’s Hammered to a one length victory in Sunday’s $5,000 Jimmy Sunshine Stake.

As has been the case in recent years veteran conditioner Robert Phillips sent another youngster out ready to roll for his debut as his Droppin’thehammer-Alberts Magic colt Al’s Hammered came flying down the stretch to record a one length victory in 1:59.4.

Reserved in fifth through the early going the good looking brown colt was moved to the outside by driver Marcus Miller as the field headed by the half-mile mark.

Following live cover which was being provided by Fox Valley Cadbury (Ridge Warren), Al’s Hammered was just 2-1/2 lengths off the lead of the pacesetting Fox Valley Rainier (Brian Carpenter) who had strolled through splits of :30.2, 1:02.1 and 1:32.3 as the field turned for home.

Tipping three wide for the stretch drive Al’s Hammered proceeded to unleash a big :26.4 final quarter to go from fourth to first in the lane, making his debut a winning one. Fox Valley Cadbury held on well to finish second after the tough first over journey while Dave’s Bid was third.

With a pair of carryover pools in the Pick-4 and the High-5 wagers on Sunday night at Balmoral Park fans from throughout the country showed their support for the Balmoral product by producing two of the biggest pools in recent history for the two very popular wagers.

Sunday night’s Pick-4 with its guaranteed pool of $25,000 and a carryover in excess of $12,000 ended up with a whopping $73,862 wagered into the pool which covers the final four races of the night. The High-5, which sported a carryover of more than $13,000 heading into Sunday’s action, produced a pool of $50,915.

Balmoral Park would once again like to thank everyone who participated in these wagers and who continue to support the Illinois racing product!