Hawthorne Race Course

Contact: Mitch Demick (708) 222-4542

Shadowbdancing Gate-to-Wire in Hawthorne Feature

Shadowbdancing

Stickney, IL – Sent off as the longest price in a field of six, Shadowbdancing assumed early control of the 1 1/16-mile $50,000 Bonasera Stakes and held off a gallant late run by Brazilian invader Alcoma to win the Saturday Hawthorne feature. Hurta was denied his fifth win in a row, as the favorite, but held third.

The complexion of the race might have been altered dramatically, when confirmed front-runner It’s Never to Late reared at the start leaving Shadowbdancing alone on an easy lead. The unfortunate mishap allowed the son of Montbrook to reach the first quarter in a moderate 24.54 and he essentially coasted from there, a 1 ¾ length winner under Randy Meier.

Alcoma was making his first US start after competing in group stakes races in South America. He made a bold move but couldn’t catch the winner.

Shadowbdancing and Randy Meier win the Bonasera Stakes

The Terrell Gore trainee has now run in seven straight stakes races at four different tracks, winning three of them. Meier has been aboard for two of those wins.

The results were delayed by an inquiry to review the actions of It’s Never To Late, but there was no action taken.

Shadowbdancing completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.37 after setting moderate fractions. Sent off at almost 9-1, he paid $19.20 to win.

The Estate of Thomas Carey has owned and operated Hawthorne Race Course for 100 years, distinguishing it as the oldest continuously family-owned and operated race track in the nation. As the oldest sports venue in Illinois, Hawthorne Race Course has been an integral player in the legendary heritage of Chicago sports entertainment. Hawthorne Race Course begins its Spring Thoroughbred meet on Friday, March 6, 2009 and will continue through April 27, 2009. Post time is 1:25 pm central time for all live racing. Dark days will be Tuesday and Wednesdays. We are located at 3501 S. Laramie Avenue, Cicero, IL 60804. For more information on Hawthorne Race Course visit www.hawthorneracecourse.com or call 708-780-3700.