Harness racing trainer Freddie Patton Jr. listens as well as talks to his horses

Training and driving more than a dozen standardbred horses requires certain skills, particularly if you rank among the best in the industry which is struggling somewhat for survival.

Freddie Patton Jr., unquestionably is in that category and when asked what separates him from his competitors, he simply answered:

"We all talk to our horses, but I listen to what mine have to say and maybe understand them better than some others. At least my record is beginning to show that to be the case."

Closing in on his 50th birthday, Patton trains and drives several of the most successful two and three-year-old trotters and pacers busy on the Illinois county fair circuit this year. And, he's making a little money for owners and breeders of his 17 horses that he presently includes in his stable.

"Yeh, we've got a few outstanding horses this year," Patton said. Tower Power has won 12 of his 14 starts, Fox Valley Shiver is nine for 10 and several others like Sherry's Band and Syd's Lollipop are coming along pretty good."

Paying attention to his horses has been the difference Patton claims.

"I listen to what my horses are telling me. They're talking loud. You just got to be able to understand what they're saying," Patton said. "I've never seen a dumb horse. Some people say they are, but I don't believe 'em," he added.

"You can't have favorites in this business," Patton said. "You may be a little more excited when you're behind some than others because you know you have a better chance of winning. But I like 'em all."

There's little question about Patton having a bit of a love affair for Tower Power, however. The two-year-old pacer already has a record of 1:57.3, well below the two-minute mark which many years ago separated the "real good" from the just "good".

"You bet, I'll take Tower Power every day of the week," Patton said. "No telling how good he's gonna be before he's finished."

Included in Freddie Jr.'s stable of horses are four his son, Cornelius, is handling personally.

"Yeh, my boy, we call him 'Boo' for short, is coming along pretty good in the business," the older Patton said. "He'll be 26 next week, the 12th, and is still getting experience on the track. I started when I was 13 years old and had my driver's license when I was just 16."

Actually, Freddie Jr., isn't the oldest Patton around the stables at the Du Quoin fairgrounds. That distinction belongs to Freddie Sr., who, although basically retired from driving, still trains four horses of his own.

"Dad never stops giving me advice on how to win a race," Freddie Jr., said. "He's talking to me practically when I'm going on the track, telling me about what to expect from the other horses in the race and their strengths.

"And, believe me, I listen."