Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Widger Scores Big in Windy City

October 17, 2007

When Sam Widger steered Booze Cruzin to victory in the $220,000 Windy City Pace at Maywood Park last Friday night, it gave the Chicago reinsman one heck of a birthday present.

Widger turned 44 on Oct. 7, and the Windy City—Maywood’s premiere event for sophomore open pacers—was the Beecher resident’s largest score on the Chicago half-miler. A winner of 2,744 races and nearly $20 million in his career, Widger was nearly speechless after winning the Windy City in his first attempt in the 25-year-old stake.

"I’m overwhelmed," Widger said in the winner’s circle. "This is a very big deal for me."

A mild longshot, Booze Cruzin paid $13 to win after holding off favored Home Bed Advantage (Ryan Anderson) by one and ¾ lengths.

"The rail was definitely an advantage for this horse because he’s a rocket off the gate," Widger said. "He’s great on the front end and that :26.3 first quarter was well within his capability."

In the final turn, when it appeared that Home Bed Advantage was going to go by Booze Cruzin, Widger asked for more from his steed, and got it.

"My horse was so relaxed and pacing so easily, I was a little concerned," Widger said. "But once I called on him, he responded so well and I was confident he was a winner."

At an age when many harness drivers are starting to slow down, Widger’s career has taken off. In 2006 he scored his best year ever in both wins (458) and earnings ($3,375,043).

"Winning the Windy City is definitely one of the highlights of my career," Widger said.

Widger—in his maroon, light blue and white racing silks—is no stranger to the Midwest sulky scene. The Canton, Ill.-native began driving in 1986 and scored $1.4-plus million seasons from 1998 through 2002.

His best years have been the last three, as he’s driven the winner of at least $2 million annually. Widger is just as strong this season. To date in 2007 he’s amassed nearly $2.1 million from 291 winners, sitting fourth in the Balmoral-Maywood driver standings.