Hawthorne Harness: Favorites score in Cardinal divisions for rookie male pacers

Juvenile pacers were the focus on Friday evening at Hawthorne as two divisions of the Cardinal took place. The $30,350 events were for Illinois Conceived and Foaled 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers.

The night’s opener was the first of the two divisions as Holden Steady was sent off as the choice with Kyle Wilfong in the bike. Getting away quickly was the favorite, and he was able to back down the opening quarter in 30 seconds flat. After a half in 1:00 4/5, Holden Steady held the lead over longshot Sonny Sage and Fox Valley Minime, and after three-quarters in 1:31 2/5, Holden Steady was still pushed along but maintained his advantage. Roused in the lane, Holden Steady responded well, drawing clear in 1:59 4/5. Sonny Sage held second, while Riley The Mooss closed to finish third.

Holden Steady is owned by Thestable Holden Steady and trained by Angela Coleman.

Race seven was the second division of the Cardinal as a field of nine lined up behind the starting car. Favored in the second division was The Bucket with Casey Leonard driving, but making the lead was 15-1 shot Frontier Muffler through the quarter in 30 3/5. After a half in 1:00, Frontier Muffler still held a two length advantage over The Bucket, and in the turn The Bucket was asked, but Frontier Muffler still led through three-quarters in 1:29 1/5. In the lane, The Bucket tipped out and was able to wear down Frontier Muffler, winning going away in 1:57 1/5. Frontier Muffler held second while Meyer On Fire closed to finish third. The stewards conducted an inquiry looking into the actions of Meyer On Fire but no change was made.

The Bucket is owned by George Dremonas and Ken Rucker and trained by Ken Rucker.

--press release (Hawthorne Racecourse)--