Trotting, Pacing Champions Crowned at Fair

Federal Arsenal and Cody won trotting championships, and Styling and Lake Hills Texas were crowned pacing champions Monday on the first day of the Illinois State Fair’s five-day harness-racing meet.

The start of Monday’s 15-race card was delayed two hours by overnight rains. The track officially was listed as good, yet 11 of the 15 heats went in under 2:00.

Federal Arsenal arrived in Springfield with just one victory in seven starts but cruised to victory in the $53,700 event for 2-year-old trotters.

Cody’s success came as no surprise in the $42,700 race for 3-year-old trotting colts. Cody won two straight heats and pushed the horse’s record to seven victories in 12 starts.

Styling, likewise, was no surprise winner--except that he almost didn’t qualify for the race. After going off stride in his elimination heat and lagging far behind, Styling caught the leaders past the half-mile mark only to finish sixth--the farthest back he could finish and still qualify for the race.

Styling won in 1:55.4.

Owned by Gary Williams and Michael Salter of Davenport and Bettendrorf, Iowa, Styling owns nine victories in 11 starts.

The day’s biggest upset came in the $48,000 event for 3-year-old pacers. Lake Hills Texas won in 1:56 and returned $58.40, 9.20 and 6.40.