With Hawthorne's Night of Champions quickly approaching, the final preps are taking place as the harness racing fields are shaping up for the big night on September 23. On Friday evening, two divisions of leg three action took place over a fast Hawthorne strip. Two-year-old filly trotters competed in leg three action of the Fox Valley Flan stakes while two-year-old filly pacers contested leg three of the Incredible Tillie.

The Friday opener was the first division of the Fox Valley Flan as a field of seven lined up. Favored was Trotting Grace with Kyle Husted in the bike. Both Frontier Jackie and Lous Silver Star broke stride prior to the start. Making the lead was Fox Valley Unleash as she trotted the opening quarter in :29.4. After a half in 1:00.4, Fox Valley Unleash led the field into the turn. Mid-turn, favored Trotting Grace moved to challenge as she led the field into the lane through three quarters in 1:30.4. In the lane, Trotting Grace faced a challenge from Good Design. In the final sixteenth, Good Design and driver Kyle Wilfong took over, winning by a length in 2:00. Trotting Grace held second while Fox Valley Unleash was third. Good Design is owned by Mr. Lynn Wilfong and trained by Brett Wilfong.

Race three on Friday was the second division of leg three of the Fox Valley Flan as the field of six was led by overwhelming favorite Maui Mama. Leaving for the lead was Maui Mama for Casey Leonard, as she covered the quarter in a comfortable :31.0. On the backside, Maui Mama maintained her lead, passing the half in 1:02.2. On the turn, Leonard opened up with the favorite through three quarters in 1:32.1. Comfortable the entire way, Maui Mama cruised under the wire, winning while clear in 2:00.4. White Pants Fever chased throughout the finish second while Fox Valley Winnie was third. Maui Mama is owned by Bill Wright and trained by Mike Brink.

Race four was the first division of leg three of the Incredible Tillie for two-year-old filly pacers. A field of nine was led by Frontier Cuzin from the outside with Casey Leonard driving. Heading for the lead was Red Hot Packerette from the outside. After a quarter in :29.0, Red Hot Packerette faced a challenge by Poppy Seed. Passing the half in 1:00.1, Red Hot Packerette and Brian Carpenter held the lead through the turn. Passing three quarters in 1:29., Red Hot Packerette faced a challenge by Allbeastnobeauty and Frontier Cuzin mid-stretch. Nearing the wire, Allbeastnobeauty drew clear, winning by a length over Frontier Cuzin in 1:57.0. Red Hot Packerette held third. Allbeastnobeauty is owned by Mike Brink, Josh Carter and Mark Brown and trained by Mike Brink.

Race five was the second division of leg three of the Incredible Tillie as eight pacers faced the starter. The New Americana was the favorite as she looked to extend her four race win streak with Mike Oosting driving. Leaving for the lead was the favorite, crossing over quickly and passing the quarter in :28.0. After a half in :57.1, The New Americana was pushed along into the turn by Fox Valley Jazzy. Passing three quarters in 1:26.2, The New Americana held her lead into the stretch. Mid-stretch, Fox Valley Jazzy and Ridge Warren pulled out and took over as the well-timed move held off the late charge of Rollin Coal. The New Americana held third. The final time for the mile was 1:54.3. Fox Valley Jazzy is owned by Cathy Finn-Kanitz and trained by Dale Kanitz.

ABOUT HAWTHORNE RACE COURSE

Founded in 1891, Hawthorne Race Course is the 4th oldest racetrack in the nation and the oldest sporting venue in Illinois. Located in Stickney, Illinois on the edge of Chicago's city limits, the 126 year old facility hosts thoroughbred racing in March and April and again in October through Dec. Standardbred harness racing is conducted in May through September. The family-owned and operated business has been an innovator in horseracing for more than 100 years and features the nation's most rewarding players program. For additional information: www.HawthorneRaceCourse.com | Facebook.com/ClubHawthorne | @ClubHawthorne.

Jim Miller