What It Means wins via DQ

Fresh off his biggest win to date in the $100,000 Maywood Pace last week, Kenneth Duffy, Shim Racing and Mystical Marker Farm's What It Means returned to the winner's circle on Saturday night (July 4) at Balmoral, this time by rather unconventional means as he benefited from the disqualification of race winner My Boy Luke to capture a $19,160 Illinois Standardbred Owners & Breeders Association Stake.

Taking advantage of a better starting spot after the scratches of Doubletrouble and Just Us, catch driver Dave Magee, who was filling in for an injured Mike Oosting, hustled the son of Cole Muffler-Charged To The Max away from the seven hole and neatly tucked in third as My Boy Luke (Josh Sutton) sped away from the gate with second tier starter Fox Valley Seth (Brandon Simpson) right on his back. Unfortunately for My Boy Luke and his connections, the gelding made a break heading into the first bend causing Fox Valley Seth to go off stride as well.

Despite the early miscue My Boy Luke was still able to maintain the top spot, leading the field through an opening quarter in :28.3 over the sloppy going.

The Roger Welch trainee then proceeded to cruise through splits of :56.4 and 1:24.2 while pacing along comfortably in front. Fox Valley Seth was taking full advantage of the pocket sitting journey throughout while What It Means was five lengths back in third as the field turned for home.

In the lane My Boy Luke continued to show the way and was in complete control of the proceedings as he rolled under the wire with a three length victory. What It Means rallied to finish second while Fox Valley Seth was third.

Unfortunately the judges immediately put up the inquiry sign and after several minutes of deliberation My Boy Luke was moved from first down to third for causing the interference break to Fox Valley Seth in the first turn. That moved What It Means up to the top spot while Fox Valley Seth was moved into the place slot.

The victory was the fifth in 13 starts this season for the Erv Miller trainee who was unraced at two. The bay gelding also has three second-place finishes and two third-place finishes to his credit this year with earnings of $86,742. (Balmoral)

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