Trotting, Pacing Champions Crowned at Fair

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — 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.