Friday night at Hawthorne marked the first night of the claiming series finals in the winter harness meet.
A field of seven pacers lined up in the Cicero Claiming Series final as Spendabuckonme was scratched prior to post time.
Elite Awards was sent away as the favourite in the $20,000 series final with Sam Widger in the bike. The bettor's choice left the gate for the lead as he faced early pressure from Mobil Big John. After a quarter in :28, Mobil Big John and Kyle Wilfong led the field into the backstretch where Elite Awards moved to take over, passing the half in :56.4. On the far turn, Elite Awards faced a fresh challenge from KC Rambunctious Boy as the pair passed three-quarters in 1:25.4. Down the lane, Elite Awards dug in gamely and held off KC Rambunctious Boy as well as a boxed-in Mobil Big John, crossing the wire a length on top in 1:54.3. KC Rambunctious Boy was able to hold on for second, a nose ahead of Mobil Big John.
Elite Awards is owned and trained by Perry Smith. He returned $5.20, $4.40 and $2.60. KC Rambunctious Boy came back $5.20 and $4.20. Mobil Big John returned $3.40 to show.
The winter harness meet at Hawthorne continues through February 19.
(With files from Hawthorne)