Balmoral Park

Contact: Tom Kelley
(708) 672-1414

ROY ORBISONG TAKES BYE BYE BYRD STAKE

Roy Orbisong and driver Brent Holland flew by their rivals in the lane to win Saturday's Bye Bye Byrd Stake at Balmoral Park.

The sophomore pacing set here in the Prairie State took center stage on Saturday night as a field of eight three-year-olds was sent to battle in the $12,000 Bye Bye Byrd Stake.

Fresh off a career best of 1:51.0 here last week Leland Mathias, Mystical Marker Farms, Peggy Hood and Ervin Miller Stables Roy Orbisong continued his winning ways as he cruised to an easy 4 ½ length victory in 1:51.4.

Leaving from the outside post in the field of eight, driver Brent Holland ducked the son of Ft. Apache Hanover-Camtune off the gate and the pair was content to sit at the back of the pack as Froggy Turner (Dave Magee) wheeled through opening splits of 27.2 & 56.3.

Heading around the far turn Holland moved his charge into the developing outer flow but he was still sixth, some five lengths behind the pace setting Froggy Turner as the field reached the three-quarter-mile station in 1:24.4.

Moving like a freight train on the far outside of horses, Roy Orbisong effortlessly began picking off rivals one by one in the lane. Powering home in 26.0, the Erv Miller trainee was on cruise control as he sped by everyone for his ninth win in 12 starts this season. Froggy Turner held on to finish second while longshot Too Much Pepper (Tyler Buter) turned a ground-saving trip into the show dough.

Heavily backed at the windows after his big win last week, Roy Orbisong returned $3.20, $2.40 & $2.10 while running his seasonal earnings up to $31,953.

Live racing action continues on Sunday night with a very nice 12-race program on tap. Among the featured attractions on Sunday are the $12,500 Direct Dottie Stake for three-year-old pacing fillies (Rc.7), the $14,000 Misty Raquel Open Mare Pace (Rc.8) and the $14,000 Florida Pro Open Trot (Rc.9). Post time for the opener on Sunday is 6:30 pm (central).

For more information call (708) 672-1414 or visit www.balmoralpark.com.