Harness racing got underway at the Springfield State Fair on Friday afternoon, and local trainer Roger Welch was delighted he made the decision to ship his two young trotters to the state capital fairgrounds.
The Beecher conditioner will have the betting favorites in both of Thursday's $45,000 Illinois Stake Fair Championships for 2-year-old colts and fillies after the barn's Bobby B Breeze and S V Spirit won their eliminations in very easy fashion.
While only a fifth-place finish was needed to advance Welch's two freshmen to their respective championships, Welch had his sights set much higher.
"I didn't ship either trotter for a three-hour drive and go for $8,000 purses just to tighten them up and make the finals. I came here with them to win their eliminations," Welch said.
Both 2-year-olds looked very good in doing so with driver Todd Warren, also of Beecher.
First, Bobby B Breeze drew off to a two-length victory in 1 minute, 59 4/5 seconds and is now 2 for 2 for his quartet of owners, Chicagoan Rocky Ruffalo; Pat De Long, of Channahon; Bill De Long, of Wisconsin; and Gordon Wright, of Michigan.
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