InTheSulky

Trace Tetrick and Suprizemeagain set Hoosier Park track record for two year old of 1:52.1.

Suprizemeagain became the fastest two-year-old ever at Hoosier Park Saturday, July 12 during the final night of harness racing for 2008. Guided by the track’s leading driver, Trace Tetrick, Suprizemeagain cruised home to victory in the first race of the evening in a time of 1:52.1, beating the old mark of 1:52.4 set in 2002 by Fast Freddie Mojo.

Starting from post six in the 10-horse field, Suprisemeagain eased to the front for Tetrick to establish the first quarter-mile mark in :27.0. CL Earl and Roger Cullipher quickly moved forward, leading the way past the half in :55.0. Lightning McQueen and Walter Haynes Jr. were also in the mix as the field approached the three-quarter mile marker in 1:24.1.

In the stretch, Suprisemeagain moved out and easily passed the opposition to coast home to a six-length lead at the wire, his third win in three tries for 2008. I Scoot For Cash and Don Eash closed from behind for second. Square John and Brad Hanners also closed well for third.

The only two-year-old in the field, Suprisemeagain now has more than $20,000 in earnings. The son of Western Hero is trained by Shawn Nessa and owned by his wife, Angie, along with Bart Seales and PBV Me ASAP Horse Stable made up of Karen Thoele, Bryant Probst, and Dean Vahling, all of Illinois.

“This colt (Suprisemeagain) has been good from day one,” said Nessa, who is a former state wrestling champ in Iowa. “He’s been good gaited and doesn’t wear any boots, and he’s great to work around. I almost staked him to the Woodrow Wilson, but I had another one in there and decided not to. I wish I had of now.”

Suprisemeagain is staked to several smaller events, including the Evolution, the Hayes, and the American National. He won the $27,600 Hanover Stake at Balmoral in his first career start in a time of 1:54.2, his best before his performance at Hoosier Park.

“He’s (Suprisemeagain) a very nice colt with a lot of speed,” said Tetrick. “He drives like an old horse. You can drive him with two fingers. He was strong through the wire tonight. Shawn told me about a month and a half ago he had a nice colt, but he hadn’t even qualified him yet. He’s the real deal. He’s the fastest Indiana-bred two-year-old I’ve ever sat behind.”

Suprisemeagain joins a strong cast of horses from the Nessa barn in recent years. Based at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in southern Illinois, Nessa has also campaigned such greats as Fox Valley Deja, Pujols, Fox Valley Barzgar, who went on to win six of eight starts as a two-year-old including the $400,000 Woodrow Wilson at The Meadowlands after being sold from Nessa’s Stable.

Nessa began training horses with his late father, John, following a short stint at Iowa State, where he was granted a full-ride scholarship as a wrestler. Nessa left school to pursue his love of harness racing. The Nessa family later moved to southern Illinois to train full-time. Nessa’s mother, Norie, still helps out in the barn.

Jeff Brewer being presented the Hoosier Park leading trainer award for 2008 by Rick Moore and Scott Peine.

Rick Moore, general manager of racing at Hoosier Park Racing and Casino, and Scott Peine, director of Standardbred racing, presented Jeff Brewer with the leading trainer award during the final night of the 2008 harness racing season Saturday, July 12. Brewer won 41 races, 10 more than the second place finisher Ryan Bellamy.

“This is my first title here at Hoosier Park,” said Brewer. “I really appreciate it and thank Hoosier Park for this award.”

A native of southern Ohio, Brewer is coming off a successful run at Indiana Downs, where he has won the leading trainer title the past two seasons. He has won over 1,080 races in his career. Brewer is currently ranked 37th in the nation, posting 68 wins this season.

In addition to the 41 wins, Brewer has finished in the top-three 98 times this season at Hoosier Park. His horses have earned nearly $220,000 this year at Hoosier Park, and he completed the meet with a .291 training average.

Brewer and his wife, Linda, reside in Morrow, Ohio. He bases his stable from Lebanon Raceway and in recent years, has stabled on the grounds at Hoosier Park. This season, he opted for a different plan.

“Jeff was gone all winter racing in Canada,” said Linda. “When he came home this spring, he wanted to stay home for a while since he’d been gone so much, so he decided to ship back and forth to Indiana. He plans to do the same for the Indiana Downs meet.”

While Brewer concentrates on the racing stock in the stable, Linda runs the operations at their farm, caring for the broodmares and also horses that are taking a break from racing. He currently has 35 horses in training.

Brewer is no stranger to success at Hoosier Park. He has finished among the top five spots four times since racing full-time in Indiana beginning in 2003. Last year, Brewer sent 27 winners around Hoosier Park’s seven-eighths mile oval to finish third.

Trace Tetrick is presented leading driver award for 2008 at Hoosier Park by Scott Peine and Rick Moore.

Trace Tetrick became part of Hoosier Park history Saturday, July 12 when he earned his first leading driver title at Hoosier Park Racing and Casino. The 21-year-old reinsman from Geff, Ill. became the youngest driver or jockey to ever win a title in the 15-year history of the Anderson, Ind. racetrack. Rick Moore, general manager of racing, and Scott Peine, director of Standardbred racing, made the presentation.

Born into a horse racing family, Tetrick grew up around horses and began his career on the southern Illinois county fair circuit. After graduation from Fairfield High School in Fairfield, Ill., Tetrick set out to become a catch-driver, looking to earn his living driving harness horses for other people.

His plans quickly took off. With the backing of a stable from the family operation, Tetrick soon began picking up business from outside trainers during his first full year of action in 2005. The youngest of three brothers, Tetrick concentrated his business first in Chicago and later at Blue Grass Downs. Following the summer at the county fairs in Illinois, Tetrick landed at Colonial Downs in Virginia.

Tetrick followed the same path that his older brother, Tim, had taken beginning in 2006. He ventured into Indiana, competing at Hoosier Park and later Indiana Downs before stepping back onto the Chicago circuit. He won 26 races at Hoosier Park to rank 12th in the driver standings. Tetrick returned last season, pulling in a fourth place finish with 65 wins over the 61-day meet.

Tetrick ended the 2008 racing season with 4 wins on the closing night card, including both $23,000 Invitationals on the trot and pace and a new two-year-old colt pacing track record with Suprizemeagain in a time of 1:52.1. He completed the meet with 116 wins, 26 ahead of second place finisher, Ricky Macomber Jr., who won the title in 2007. In only six years of driving, Tetrick has earned nearly 700 career wins and posted purse earnings in excess of $3.5 million in his career. He is ranked 22nd in the nation with 212 wins this year.

“This title is a great honor,” said Tetrick. “I’ve been fortunate to drive a lot of good horses and get them across the wire first. I’ve had good luck, and I’m grateful for that.”

In addition to driving, Tetrick oversees the Indiana-based portion of the family operation, training 12 horses. His father, Tom D., and his mother, Maryalice, are still based at the family farm in Geff. His oldest brother, Tom T., drives in Illinois and Kentucky while the middle brother, Tim, is currently racing on the East Coast. Tim set a new seasonal record in 2007 for most wins posted by any driver in one year, winning 1,189 races. Tim is currently in second place nationally in 2008 with 535 wins.

As for the youngest Tetrick, he will head to Indiana Downs to continue his driving skills on the Indiana circuit and try to defend his title from the 2007 season. At the age of 21, his best years are ahead of him in life and in harness racing.

Hoosier Cadillac and Mark O'Mara win invite trot at Hoosier Park July 5, 2008

Hoosier Cadillac and Mark O'Mara win Invitational Trot at Hoosier Park in 1:55.3 July 5, 2008.

The duo of Hoosier Cadillac and Mark O’Mara pulled away from the competition down the stretch to win the $23,000 Invitational Trot Saturday, July 5 at Hoosier Park. Hoosier Cadillac has earned three wins in six races this season.

Hoosier Cadillac raced quickly out of the gate to take the lead over the field of seven. Heading towards the quarter-mile mark in :29.0, Hoosier Cadillac maintained the lead over Sandblast, driven by Trace Tetrick.

Charging down the backstretch, Hoosier Cadillac remained on the front, passing by the halfway point in a time of :58.4. The outer flow began from the back of the pack with Cellebrity Force and Gerry Kazmaier moving into position first-over. Coming to the three-quarter marker in a time of 1:27.2, Hoosier Cadillac started to pull away from the field.

Hoosier Cadillac controlled the top stop with Sandblast approaching on the inside. Charging to the finish, Hoosier Cadillac pulled away from the charging Sandblast to win in 1:55.3. JL Flying Arrows, managed by Neil Coleman, and Killer Whale, with Brad Hanners in the sulky, rounded out the top three.

“The horse (Hoosier Cadillac) was really strong, and is really good right now,” said O’Mara. “He had some problems, but they (Sally and Mel Gilbert) were able to iron them out. He drove perfectly tonight.”

Owned by Mel Gilbert of Hawkinsville, Ga. and trained by his wife, Sally, Hoosier Cadillac has earned over $108,000 in his 14 career wins. The six-year-old son of Ripken’s Victory returned $8.20, $5.40, and $3.60 for his effort.

“This was good for Hoosier Cadillac to race here tonight,” said O’Mara. “He’s heading to the Dygert at Hawthorne next week. If there had been enough for eliminations, he would have had to race in Chicago tonight, so it’s good he got to stay right here and get another race in before heading up north next week.”

Hoosier Cadillac is now three for six in 2008. He earned a career best time of 1:54.4 two starts back over Hoosier Park’s seven-eighths mile oval. The Indiana-sired gelding trains at the Hawkinsville Training Center each winter prior to coming back to Indiana each spring for the racing season.

Action Figure and Ricky Macomber win Hoosier Park Invite Pace July 5, 2008

Ricky Macomber Jr. and Action Figure win invitational pace at Hooiser Park in 1:50.4 July 5, 2008

Action Figure and driver Ricky Macomber Jr. took advantage of an early lead to post a gate tow wire win in the $23,000 Invitational Pace Saturday, July 5. The pair crossed the line in a record time of 1:50.4, a new career best for the Michigan-bred gelding.

Action Figure was fast from the gate, out-stepping the rest of the field. He led the way past the quarter-mile mark in a quick :25.4. Green River Gorge, driven by Rick Schaut, was hot on his tail, sitting in the pocket seat as the leaders reached the halfway point in :55.3.

Heading into the turn, Big Tim, with Jason Dillander in the sulky, was out and firing from fourth. He made it up to the bike of Rick Schaut, but as the field neared the stretch, the two leaders surged away. Green River Gorge capitalized on his perfect two-hole trip. He came charging out to challenge Action Figure. It was a close battle, but Action Figure was able to fend off Green River Gorge in the end for the win. Benns Superman, driven by Brad Hanners, got in for third.

“I knew Green River Gorge was getting a perfect trip on my back, but when I tapped him in the stretch, he moved on,” said Macomber. “I thought halfway down the lane, I had it won, but I saw a shadow start coming up on me. I tapped him again and he was solid right through the wire.”

The mile marked the fourth consecutive win for Action Figure, who earned his seventh trip to the winner’s circle this season. It was also his second consecutive record mile at Hoosier Park.

“He (Action Figure) is a real nice horse to drive,” said Macomber. “He did it real easy tonight. They (Marie St. Charles) told me the more you get after him, the more he goes. Every time I asked him, he shifted into another gear.”

Action Figure made nearly all of his $500,000-plus bankroll racing in Michigan. The five-year-old son of Armbro Cadet came to Hoosier Park for the first time last week off a winning record at Hazel Park near Detroit.

Action Figure is owned by Larry Lyles’ LRL Racing LLC and Tim Halsted of Michigan. Marie St. Charles has trained the standout pacer his entire career. The gelding returned $4.00, $2.60 and $2.20 across the board for his effort.

The win behind Action Figure was the second of three on the night for Macomber. Macomber, 2007 leading driver at Hoosier Park, is currently second in the standings this season with 86 wins through the first 66 nights of racing. Trace Tetrick leads all drivers with more than 100 wins.

“I picked up this horse (Action Figure) as a catch-drive off of a TBA (to be announced) on the overnight sheet,” said Macomber. “I’ve never driven for his connections before, but we’re off to a good start.”

Art Official and Ryan Anderson win Hoosier Cup in 1:51.1 Saturday night at Hoosier Park

Anderson, IND. (June 28, 2008) – Art Official and driver Ryan Anderson put together a strong performance to win the $500,000 Hoosier Cup at Hoosier Park Saturday, June 28. The duo completed the one-mile event in a time of 1:51.0 in front of a crowd that exceeded 4,000.

Starting from post two in the 10-horse lineup, Anderson moved Art Official into the action early to land a fourth place spot along the rail. McCedes and Cat Manzi led the way to the quarter-mile marker in a time of :27.0. Brad Hanners had Beeeyouuuuuu out and rolling to the lead followed by Luc Ouellette and Dali, who eventually landed the top spot at the halfway mark in :55.1. Anderson was already on the outside, following the cue of Ouellette.

“I just wanted to take my time early in the race,” said Anderson. “I knew Luc would have his horse (Dali) out early, so I wanted to wait until he made his move to the lead. We ended up first-over, which wasn’t exactly where I wanted to be, but he was able to just grind it out.”

Anderson slowly eased Art Official toward the leaders around the final turn. At the three-quarter mile marker in a time of 1:23.3, Art Official had the center of the track to work with, showing his best stride late to pass Dali and take home the top prize by one length. Dali was a solid second over Beeeyouuuuuu, who finished five lengths back in third.

The victory for Anderson and Art Official was their second in a row. They teamed up for a win in the $33,200 Hanover Stake at Balmoral Park a week earlier. The son of Art Major, who was the winner of the 2002 Hoosier Cup, now has five wins in 10 starts for 2008 and increased his career bankroll to more than $439,000 with the effort.

“I got injured earlier in the year, so it’s nice to get a big win like this,” said Anderson. “I want to thank trainer Joe Seekman and James Jesk for giving me the opportunity to drive this horse. Anytime you get to drive this type of horse in a prestigious race such as this one, it’s really an honor.”

Art Official, who went winless in 15 starts as a two-year-old, paid $4.80, $3.00, and $2.40 across the board. He is owned by Sawgrass Farms of Lockport, Ill., which is a partnership of Jesk with his wife, Joyce.

The $500,000 Hoosier Cup is the richest harness race in the state of Indiana. The stake was the spotlight on the evening that featured purses in excess of $1.2 million. Six $100,000 Indiana Sires Stakes finals were also contested to create Indiana’s richest night of horse racing.

Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in Anderson, Ind., is central Indiana’s premier entertainment destination, featuring 2,000 electronic gaming devices; Standardbred, Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing; and wholecard simulcasting. Hoosier Park Racing & Casino is a wholly owned property of Centaur Gaming, which also owns and operates Fortune Valley Hotel and Casino in Central City, Colo., and is seeking final approval to develop Valley View Downs in western Pennsylvania. Hoosier Park also provides simulcast-wagering facilities in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Merrillville, Ind. For more information, visit www.hoosierpark.com.

Robin I Scoot and Don Irvine Jr. win ISS 3 year old colt pace final at Hoosier Park in 1:52.

The heavy favorite Robin I Scoot maintained his perfect record in 2008 in the Indiana Sires Stakes final for three-year-old colts and geldings during Hoosier Cup Night Saturday, June 28. Robin I Scoot, driven by Don Irvine Jr., crossed the line in 1:52.0, matching his previous best time.

Rocknroll Band, driven by Jim Dailey, was first out, firing from the gate for the lead. However, the top spot was quickly taken over by Andy’s Z Tam and Don Eash, who led the way to the quarter mark in :26.4. Powering up after the quarter was Robin I Scoot to make his move for the lead. Moving past the half in :55.1, Robin I Scoot kept the rest of the field in following mode.

Robin I Scoot continued to open up on the field. He maintained his speed for the win, crossing the line in 1:52 by seven and three-quarter lengths. Freddyscooter and Brad Hanners received second while Dreaming Royalty, driven by Jason Dillander, held on for third.

“He (Robin I Scoot) is pretty much a two-finger horse,” Irvine said. “He can’t do much wrong.”
This was the second win of the night for Irvine Jr., the six-time leading driver at Hoosier Park. His first was behind the three-year-old filly EJ’s Copperstone, who is undefeated this year in five starts and won the Indiana Sires Stakes final for her division.

Robin I Scoot picked up his seventh win of the season, pushing his lifetime earnings to over $250,000. The sophomore gelding by I Scoot Hanover is owned by Danny Perdue of Greenville, Ohio and Shady Lane Meadows of Grabill, Ind. Perdue trains Robin I Scoot.

Mya Tri wins ISS Final, still undefeated

Mya Tri and Walter Haynes Jr. win ISS 3 year old filly trot final at Hoosier Park, remains undefeated.

Mya Tri, the standout Indiana-sired sophomore trotting filly, earned her 16th career win Saturday, June 28 to take home the top prize in the $100,000 Indiana Sires Stakes final. The filly has a perfect record of five wins in 2008 after pulling in a perfect 11 for 11 as a two-year-old to remain undefeated in 16 career starts.

Driven by Walter Haynes Jr., Mya Tri showed quick speed out of the gate and rounded the first turn on top of the field of 10. The tempo was lively, passing the quarter-mile mark in a time of :28.2. Down the backstretch, Mya Tri stayed alert for Haynes, but received an unexpected challenge from the outside as Miracle Sprout and Verlin Yoder attacked, passing the half-mile mark in a time of :57.3.

As soon as Miracle Sprout had cleared, Haynes had Mya Tri back out and retook the lead before the final turn. The filly was in full force from that point on. She trotted by the three-quarter-mile marker in a time of 1:26.3 and kept on rolling.

In the end, Mya Tri was only racing against the clock, stopping the timer at 1:56.3, a new lifetime performance. ABC Valentine and Don Eash were seven and three-quarter lengths back in second followed by Deputy Julianna and Mike Hollenback in third.

Mya Tri moved her career earnings to just under the $200,000 mark for Haynes and co-owner Bob Wientjes, who is a partner with the accounting firm Richardson, Pennington, and Skinner out of Louisville, Ky. Sara Haynes serves as the trainer for the standout star.

“This is such a thrill to have a filly like this,” said Wientjes. “This only happens once in a lifetime. Junior (Haynes) liked her dad, Pining Fora Tri, so well, he wanted to try to raise a foal out of him. So, he bought her mom (Margies First) for $900 and this is what we got.”

Before Mya Tri, Margies First had produced four other foals, none of which had made it to the races. Mya Tri is the only foal of racing age from Pining Fora Tri, who raced for Haynes during his career and earned just under $200,000 and had 22 wins.

Rocket Fuel and Mark O'Mara win invite at Hoosier Park Saturday night in 1:50.1.

Rocket Fuel, controlled by Mark O’Mara, fired down the stretch to win the $23,000 Invitational Pace Saturday, June 21. The four-year-old gelding earned the title for the third fastest time this season at Hoosier Park, completing the mile in 1:50.1.

Out of the gate, Rebelman, guided by Trace Tetrick, took possession of first over the field of seven. Rounding the turn towards the quarter-mile mark in :25.2, Rebelman controlled the top spot as Benns Superman, with Dan Shetler in the sulky, chased on the outside along with Green River Gorge and Rick Schaut, who dropped in behind on the outside after being held three-wide into the turn.

Charging down the backstretch to the halfway mark in a time of :53.4, Benns Superman passed Rebelman to take the lead, but Green River Gorge was closing in quickly in pursuit of the top spot. After clearing the lead heading into the final turn, Green River Gorge wouldn’t rest for long. Robin I Scoot, with Don Irvine Jr., moved to the outside, giving Rocket Fuel and O’Mara a horse to follow to the stretch.

“I’ve never driven this horse (Rocket Fuel) before, but I’ve raced against him a lot,” said O’Mara. “I moved out just after the half and caught some luck with Irvine’s horse (Robin I Scoot) coming out in front of us. In the stretch, I know Scoot (Robin I Scoot) tends to veer out, so I drove him up on the inside. He’s a nice horse to drive, but he’s a little aggressive.”

In the stretch, Robin I Scoot and Rocket Fuel moved closer to the leader. Rocket Fuel found an opening on the inside to pass Robin I Scoot and sprint home to the wire first, winning by four and one-quarter lengths. Robin I Scoot and Rebelman finished second and third, respectively, while Chief Silverheels and Ross Leonard completed the Indiana-sired superfecta in the race.

“We had a good chance for a record, so I wanted to keep the momentum going after we cleared the field in the stretch,” O’Mara said. “There was no reason to get out and go early. I just wanted to wait and see what happened.”

Owned by Twila A. Harts of Amboy, Ind. and trained by Alvin Miller, Rocket Fuel earned his second win of the season and 11th of his career. The grey son of Dontgetinmyway has received over $172,000 in his lifetime.

Robin I Scoot and Don Irvine Jr. win at Hoosier Park

Robin I Scoot (Don Irvine Jr.) paces in 1:52 to win division of ISS Saturday night at Hoosier Park

The duo of Robin I Scoot and Don Irvine Jr., fired down the stretch to win the fourth leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes Saturday, June 14 at Hoosier Park. Completing the mile in 1:52.0, Robin I Scoot earned his sixth win this season.

Electric Lad, driven by Walter Haynes Jr., rushed out of the gate to take the early lead. Reaching the quarter-mile mark in a time of :26.3, Robin I Scoot passed Electric Lad to move into first over the field of eight three-year-old colt and gelding pacers.

At the halfway mark in :55.4, Robin I Scoot maintained the lead, with Electric Lad in second. Passing the three-quarter mile mark in a time of 1:26.1, Robin I Scoot continued the strong pace, with Electric Lad right behind, and I Scoot For Cash, controlled by Don Eash, charging to compete for the lead.

Robin I Scoot and Electric Lad pulled away from the pack to compete for first. Racing down the stretch, Robin I Scoot fired ahead of Electric Lad to lead by four lengths at the 16th pole and win the final preliminary round of the Indiana Sires Stakes.

Owned and trained by Danny L. Perdue, Robin I Scoot has earned over $150,000 in his career including over $42,000 this season. For his effort, Robin I Scoot, the son of I Scoot Hanover, returned $2.10, $2.20, $2.10.

The $100,000-est. final of the Indiana Sires Stakes will be held at Hoosier Park Saturday, June 28 as part of the special Hoosier Cup Night. The evening will include purses in excess of $1 million featuring the $500,000-est. Hoosier Cup for three-year-old colt pacers.

Green River Gorge and Rick Schaut win in 1:49, second fastest mile ever at Hoosier Park.

The duo of Green River Gorge and Rick Schaut fired down the stretch to win the $23,000 Invitational Pace Saturday, June 7 at Hoosier Park. The timer stopped at 1:49.0, marking the second fastest mile ever paced over the seven-eighths mile oval.

Charging out of the gate, Green River Gorge took the early lead over the seven horse field like a bullet. Racing past the quarter-mile mark in :25.2, Green River Gorge continued to look strong as he pulled away from the field. Only Travis Lou and driver Jason Dillander could keep up with the quick pace.

At the halfway mark in a time of :52.3, Green River Gorge continued the strong effort as he increased his lead over Travis Lou. Passing the three-quarter mile marker in 1:21.0, Green River Gorge was untouchable as he drew away from the field, earning a new lifetime mark and establishing a track record for older gelding pacers. Chief Silverheels and driver Ross Leonard, who traveled around the track in third, finished five and one-half lengths back in second. Rebelman, controlled by Trace Tetrick, moved up the inside to finish third.

“I knew we were going at a pretty good pace, but I didn’t know we were going that fast,” admitted Schaut. “He (Green River Gorge) finally got some of that Florida weather he likes. I had a lot of horse left around the last turn and was only tapping him to keep his mind on his business. I hadn’t even popped the earplugs yet. I popped them out about halfway down the lane and he was solid to the wire.”

Owned by Mary Dawson of Iaeger, West Virginia, Green River Gorge has earned over $93,000 in his lifetime. The four-year-old son of The Panderosa has won four times in 18 starts this season. He is also trained by Schaut and bettered his previous career mark taken at Hoosier Park in May, which was 1:51.0.

“He (Green River Gorge) gets up and goes to work everyday,” Schaut said. “I like to refer to him as the blue collar horse. He is a pleasure to work around and has a great attitude. We did have a strong head wind in the stretch, but he was up to the task tonight.”

The mile turned in by Green River Gorge is second only to 1998 Dan Patch Invitational winner Pacific Fella, who rounded the track in a time of 1:48.2 for driver Cat Manzi. Only six horses have ever dipped down below the 1:50 time barrier in the 15-year history of Hoosier Park. Green River Gorge is the only horse outside of the Dan Patch Invitational to drop below the time barrier.

The opening of the casino at Hoosier Park this year has brought in a lot of changes. Hoosier Park Racing has also experienced change within the portion of it’s’ operations. New track superintendent Gary Wolff began his duties in early March. As superintendent, Wolff is in charge of the condition of the racing surface.

Wolff oversees the entire track operations and staff. His duties include watering and spreading materials onto the track throughout the week and on race days. Wolff has over 35 years of experience in horse racing, and nearly 18 as a track superintendent.

Before starting at Hoosier Park, Wolff worked at Buffalo Raceway, then in New Jersey at Garden State Park as their track superintendent. Beginning at age 17, Wolff learned about horse racing from George Gregory, the track superintendent at Buffalo Raceway. Under Gregory, Wolff was taught the responsibilities of being a track superintendent.

When Gregory left, Wolff accepted the track superintendent position at Buffalo Raceway before heading to Garden State. After 18 years at Garden State Park, Wolff worked at Freehold Raceway and Indiana Downs, as their track consultant. In addition to working at Indiana Downs, Wolff worked in Virginia at Colonial Downs as their track consultant. In New Jersey, Wolff had no intention of leaving. However, he felt that there was an uncertain future in that state and decided to accept the open position at Hoosier Park this year.

“I planned on going to college, but I had a friend that work at Buffalo Raceway and I loved what I was doing so I decided to stay there,” Wolff said. “The most rewarding part of the job is seeing horses come back every week and seeing them develop. This is an exciting time for Hoosier Park. Indiana will be one of the best states for Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds to race in.”

This past October, Wolff worked as the track consultant for the Breeders’ Cup at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. When arriving at Hoosier Park earlier this year, Wolff felt that the track surface was great, and the layout of the track and facility was remarkable. Along with working at Hoosier Park, Wolff will be working in Pennsylvania at Valley View Downs, scheduled to open in 2010. He will also be their track consultant.

Wolff’s excellent work has recently paid off. Green River Gorge, with driver-trainer Rick Schaut aboard, rounded Hoosier Park’s oval Saturday, June 7 to turn in the second fastest mile ever on the seven-eighths mile surface. The duo stopped the timer in 1:49.0, which is only one of seven miles ever posted under the 1:50 time barrier at the track. The mile by Green River Gorge is also the first outside of the $200,000 Dan Patch Invitational, Hoosier Park’s signature event. The fastest mile ever contested at Hoosier Park was turned in by Pacific Fella and Cat Manzi during the 1998 edition of the Dan Patch in a time of 1:48.2.

Sweet Joe and Ricky Macomber Jr. winning leg of ISS, trotting in 1:58 at Hoosier Park

Sweet Joe, controlled by Ricky Macomber Jr., turned in a perfect performance to win the third leg of the three-year-old colt and gelding Indiana Sires Stakes trot Sunday, June 1. The pair crossed the line in 1:58.0.

Seven Bends and Jay Cross headed out for an early lead. Sweet Joe made a commanding quarter move for the front position as the favorite in the race. He had the field evenly distributed at the halfway mark in :59.0.

Starting down the stretch, Sweet Joe started to have some competition with Seven Bends attacking from the inside and Sweet Camacho, with Mark O’Mara driving, challenging from behind. Sweet Joe was not fazed and continued ahead for the win in a time of 1:58.0 by one and one-quarter lengths. Seven Bends received second and Sweet Camacho came in third.

“He (Sweet Joe) felt really good tonight. He liked fighting them (Seven Bends and Sweet Camacho) off in the end,” said Macomber Jr. “He’s a front end horse. He doesn’t have to be on top, but does better racing in the top three.”

This marked the third win of the season for Sweet Joe. The gelded son of Sweet Whiz is owned by Sylvia Burke, Howard Taylor, Weaver Bruscemi, and Bethann Palone of Penn. Mickey Burke, who is the leading trainer in the nation this year, is the conditioner of Sweet Joe.

The fourth leg of the three-year-old colts and geldings Indiana Sires Stakes trot is set for Sunday, June 15. The estimated $100,000 final is scheduled for Saturday, June 28, which is part of a special Hoosier Cup Night in which purses will exceed $1 million.

ABC Mercedes, controlled by Mark O’Mara, raced down the stretch to win the third leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes Sunday, June 1 at Hoosier Park. In his lifetime, ABC Mercedes has won 10 out of 12 races he has competed in.

Brandon’s Secret, guided by Jay Cross, fired out of the fifth post to take an early lead over the field. Rounding the turn towards the quarter-mile mark in :27.2, Brandon’s Secret and ABC Mercedes fought for possession of first place, with Secret Image, managed by Bobby Brower, trailing in third.

Charging down the backstretch in a time of :58.2, ABC Mercedes pulled away to take the lead over Secret Image. At the three-quarter mile mark in 1:29.2, ABC Mercedes continued to lead, with Secret Image and Brandon’s Secret looming from behind.

In the stretch, Secret Image and Brandon’s Secret looked for an opportunity to close in on ABC Mercedes. ABC Mercedes pulled away from the field to win the third leg in a time of 1:57.1, three and one-half lengths ahead of Brandon’s Secret. Hesaflashysecret and Dan Shetler Jr. moved up for third.

“He (ABC Mercedes) felt comfortable tonight,” O’Mara stated. “I spoke to him down the stretch a little, so he knew to finish the mile.”

Owned by Larry W. Miller and trained by Joe Putnam, ABC Mercedes has won three races in three attempts this year. The three-year-old gelding by ABC Garland increased his career earnings to over $137,000 with his performance.

The Indiana Sires Stakes will continue Sunday, June 15. The final for the Indiana Sires Stakes is scheduled for Saturday, June 28th with the winner receiving the largest portion of the estimated $100,000 purse. The final of the Indiana Sires Stakes is part of Hoosier Cup Night at Hoosier Park, in which purses will exceed $1 million.

EJ'S Copperstone wins ISS leg Friday to remain undefeated in 2008, quite a feat with this driver!

The heavily-favored EJ’s Copperstone, controlled by Don Irvine Jr., lived up to the hype by finishing three and one-quarter lengths ahead of the small field of five in the three-year-old Indiana Sires Stakes for fillies at Hoosier Park Friday, May 30. She clocked in at 1:55.2 to win the $12,000 purse and stay undefeated in three starts this season.

Savannah’s Love and leading driver Trace Tetrick fired out of the gate first. EJ’s Copperstone took the lead off the quarter-mile mark in :28.2. Savannah’s Love moved into the pocket seat to wait as the pace quickened.

EJ’s Copperstone, comfortable in front, led the rest of the way through middle fractions of :58.2 and 1:27.3. Savannah’s Love challenged in the stretch, but EJ’s Copperstone received a tap from Irvine Jr. and she opened up for a surge to the finish, leaving the rest of the field behind.

“I wasn’t too worried about her (Savanna’s Love) in the stretch,” Irvine Jr. said. “She only got to my wheel and that’s about it.”

Savanna’s Love finished second. Lightning Lil and Ricky Macomber Jr., 2007 leading driver at Hoosier Park, held steady for third.

EJ’s Copperstone remains undefeated going three for three this year. She is owned by L. J. Stone and Phillip M. Hawk of Gaston, Ind. Steve Gray trains.

The fourth leg of the three-year-old Indiana Sires Stakes for filly pacers is set for Friday, June 13. The estimated $100,000 final is scheduled for Saturday, June 28 at Hoosier Park during Hoosier Cup Night. The evening will include the $500,000-est. Hoosier Cup and purses will exceed $1 million.

Greg Grismore and assistant trainer Jamie Rucker with Won The West after winning Dan Patch Invite in 1:50.0 at Hoosier Park onSaturday, May 24. Photos by Terri Kelly

Anderson, IND. (May 24, 2008) – Won the West and driver Greg Grismore used a valiant stretch drive to overtake a field of nine opponents in the 15th edition of the $200,000 Dan Patch Invitational Pace Saturday, May 24. The duo crossed the finish line in a time of 1:50.0, their fastest effort in 2008.

Starting from the second tier in post 10, Won the West waited patiently as the race set up in front of him. Booze Cruzin and Sam Widger were the first to attack, reaching the lead easily by the quarter-mile marker in a time of :26.0. Down the backstretch, the field was hesitant to move on the leaders, with 2007 Dan Patch winner Artistic Fella being the first to edge to the outside from fifth. They flushed Western Shore and Jody Jamieson to the outside to receive the desired second-over journey at the halfway point in :54.4.

Around the turn, horses began to stack up for the final sprint. Won The West followed Artistic Fella into the lane. Although it took him a few strides to get in full gear, by the final sixteenth of the mile, he was in full flight, busting by Artistic Fella for the victory by only a neck. Booze Cruzin held on gamely for third.

“You never know what to expect when you start from the second tier,” said Grismore. “But everything pretty well set up as I expected tonight. When I was able to get out behind the favorite, Artistic Fella, I felt we had a good shot. If you can keep this horse up on a helmet, he’s really good in the stretch. It just worked out perfectly for us tonight.”

The victory for Grismore was his first in stakes action at Hoosier Park. It also marked win 4,999 for the Ohio native, who now concentrates his business on the East Coast, mainly at Yonkers Raceway.

“At the top of the lane, I felt we were in good position,” said Tetrick. “We just got beat by a better horse tonight. Hopefully, he (Artistic Fella) will get back to his original form. He’s very versatile, and an easy horse to drive.”

Trained by Mickey Burke, Won the West now has three wins in five outings for 2008. He increased his career earnings to nearly $700,000 with the victory. Strollin Stable, William J. Robinson, and James Koehler, all of Ohio, own the four-year-old son of Western Hanover.

“We got this horse (Won the West) at the beginning of his three-year-old year,” said Burke. “He has always shown a lot of speed and promise. After his race at the American National last year, we knew he had a lot of talent. I have to give all the credit to Brian Brown. He’s the one that got this horse going, and he was here tonight, so that makes it really nice.”

Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in Anderson, Ind., is central Indiana’s premier entertainment destination, featuring 2,000 electronic gaming devices beginning June 2, 2008; Standardbred, Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing; and wholecard simulcasting. Hoosier Park Racing & Casino is a wholly owned property of Centaur Gaming, which also owns and operates Fortune Valley Hotel and Casino in Central City, Colo., and is seeking final approval to develop Valley View Downs in western Pennsylvania. Hoosier Park also provides simulcast-wagering facilities in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Merrillville, Ind. For more information, visit www.hoosierpark.com.

Anderson, IND. (May 21, 2008) – Ten horses will vie for the 2008 title in the 15th edition of the $200,000 Dan Patch Invitational Pace Saturday, May 24. The race, slated as the 11th on the 13-race card, will have an estimated post time of 10:30 p.m. EST.

Headlining the list of favorites for this year’s contest is Artistic Fella, winner of the 2007 edition of the race. Now five, the son of 1998 Dan Patch winner Pacific Fella is the only millionaire in the field with earnings that topple $1.7 million. He returns to Hoosier Park off of a third place finish in the $248,000 Graduate at The Meadowlands. Driver Tim Tetrick, leader in the nation last year with 1,189 wins, will accompany Artistic Fella back to Indiana. They begin from post four as the favorite at odds of 5-2.

Also grabbing some attention in the race is Bono Bests. The five-year-old Pro Bono Best gelding has eight wins in 13 starts this year, including a win in the $100,000 Battle of Lake Erie at Northfield Park earlier this spring. Bono Bests is also a half-brother to Hop Sing, winner of the 2006 Dan Patch Invitational. He will be controlled from post six at odds of 3-1 as the second choice on the morning line.

The field, in post position order with drivers and odds, includes: Ataboyart (Jay Cross) 12-1, Radar Installed N (Brad Hanners) 10-1, Western Shore (Jody Jamieson) 5-1, Artistic Fella (Tim Tetrick) 5-2, Booze Cruzin (Sam Widger) 15-1, Bono Bests (Jim Morrill Jr.) 3-1, Artist’s View (Dave Palone) 7-2, Benns Superman (Dan Shetler Jr.) 5-1, Psilvuheartbreaker (Jim Meittinis) 12-1, and Won The West (Greg Grismore) 6-1.

In addition to the race, the new book Crazy Good: The True Story of Dan Patch, the Most Famous Horse in America will be featured. Ten books signed by author Charles Leerhsen will be given away through drawings between races. Books will also be available for purchase in Hoosier Park’s gift shop, Shelby’s Gifts, for $20. Other activities include a live performance by the band Zanna-Doo! and a donkey exhibition race following the second harness race on the program.

Ten of the best older pacing horses in the nation will compete in the 15thedition of the $200,000 Dan Patch Invitational Saturday, May 24. The race will be carded as the 11th on the program with an estimated post time of 10:30 p.m.

Headlining the event is Artistic Fella, last year’s winner of the event. The five-year-old horse has earned over $1.7 million in his lifetime. He has been among the top three in all four of his outings this year. The Steve Elliott trained horse comes to Indiana off a third place finish in the $284,000 Graduate at The Meadowlands Saturday, May 17. Artistic Fella’s best time is 1:48.4, which was recorded in 2006.

Artistic Fella also has the distinction of being the product of Pacific Fella, who earned the title in the 1998 edition of the Dan Patch. Pacific Fella circled Hoosier Park’s seven-eighths mile oval in a time of 1:48.2 to establish a new track record. That record still stands today as the fastest mile ever contested in the state of Indiana.

Last year, Artistic Fella’s performance in the Dan Patch was clocked in 1:49.4, making his mile the fastest time at Hoosier Park since the 2005 Dan Patch Invitational. Driver Cat Manzi guided both father and son to their wins at Hoosier Park.

Other horses who are possible starters in this year’s event include Maltese Artist, Bono Bests, Booze Cruzin, Benns Superman, Artist’s View, Ataboyart, and Radar Installed N. Trainer George Teague is also weighing his options with either Southwind Lynx or Total Truth as possible contenders for the title. Total Truth was the winner of the 2006 Hoosier Cup at Hoosier Park.

In addition to the races, there are promotions and giveaways planned for Dan Patch Night. Several of the new books, “Crazy Good: The Story of Dan Patch” written by Charlie Leerhsen, will be given away during the night. Zanna-Doo, an Indianapolis-based group, will perform. Celebrity impersonators Marilyn Monroe and Elton John will stroll through the crowds during the night as well. The first race post is 6:45 p.m.

Hesaflashysecret, controlled by Dan Shetler, trotted to the outside down the stretch to win the second leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes Sunday, May 18 at Hoosier Park. The three-year-old gelding finished the mile in 1:59.3, earning his third win of the season.

Racing out of the gate, Donegal Ago Go, managed by Roger Cullipher, pulled out to the early lead with Hesaflashysecret and the duo of Inflatuation and Don Irvine Jr. right behind. Reaching the quarter-mile mark in :29.3, Donegal Ago Go increased his lead to two lengths with Hesaflashysecret and Inflatuation pursuing.

Nearing the halfway mark in a time of 1:01.3, Secret Camacho, guided by Mark O’Mara, pulled ahead of Donegal Ago Go to take the lead. Approaching the three-quarter mile mark in 1:31.1, Donegal Ago Go regained the lead over Secret Camacho, with Hesaflashysecret looking for an opening.

In the stretch, Hesaflashysecret quickly moved to the outside getting a clear view of the finish line. Racing to the finish line, Hesaflashysecret got past Secret Camacho and Donegal Ago Go to win the second leg.

“He (Hesaflashysecret) always gives you 100% during the race,” Shetler said. “He tries hard and does what he can do.”

With the win, Hesaflashysecret passed $45,000 in lifetime earnings. Owned by Rachel J. and Verlin D. Yoder, and trained by Verlin, Hesaflashysecret returned $7.00, $3.60, and $3.20 for his latest effort. The son of CJ's Secret now has three wins in six starts for 2008.

ABC Mercedes, guided by Mark O’Mara, controlled the race to win the second leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes Sunday, May 18 at Hoosier Park. The son of ABC Garland earned his second win of the season in his second race, after earning seven wins in nine outings as last year’s champion Indiana freshman trotter.

Out of the gate, Brandon’s Secret, managed by Don Irvine Jr., rushed to take the early lead with ABC Mercedes and Seven Bands, commanded by Jay Cross, closing in. At the quarter-mile mark in a time of :27.3, ABC Mercedes raced into the lead.

Reaching the halfway mark in :59.2, ABC Mercedes led the way. Nearing the three-quarter mile mark in a time of 1:30.3, ABC Mercedes still was in possession of the lead with Brandon’s Secret and Seven Bands pursuing.

Down the stretch, ABC Mercedes still controlled the top position with Brandon’s Secret fast approaching. Reaching the finish in 1:58.1, ABC Mercedes held off a charging Brandon’s Secret to win the second leg.

“I felt comfortable with the lead at the mid to late stretch,” O’Mara said. “He (ABC Mercedes) makes you feel confident throughout the race.”

With the victory, ABC Mercedes won the ninth race in 11 attempts in his lifetime. Owned by Larry W. Miller and trained by Joe Putnam, the three-year-old increased his lifetime earnings to over $131,000. He returned $2.60, $2.40, and $2.10 for his latest performance as the favorite in the race.

The third leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes will be held at Hoosier Park Saturday, May 31. Hoosier Park will host the final leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes Saturday, June 28, with the winning horse receiving half of the estimated $100,000 purse. The race will be part of a special $1 million evening in purses and will include the $500,000-est. Hoosier Cup.

Students from Eastside Elementary School watch shoer Ron Wrobbel prepare a shoe.

Hoosier Park played host to 104 students from East Side Elementary School Thursday, May 15. The students enjoyed a final stop at the racetrack barn area as part of an all-day tour around Anderson. Prior stops on the trip included visits to the Mayor’s office, Good’s Candy, and Meijers.

The third and fourth grade classes began their tour at Ron Wrobbel’s blacksmith shop, where they learned about the art of placing shoes on horses. Wrobbel demonstrated the use of all of his equipment in the shoe shop and gave each kid a used shoe as a souvenir.

Wrobbel concluded the visit by placing a shoe on Cy Pres Mindale, a six-year-old gelding by The Panderosa. Eric Tharps held Cy Pres Mindale as Wrobbel put a new front shoe on after carefully fitting the shoe to the hoof. The horse had raced the night before, finishing third for Tharps, who serves as the driver. Russell Angelbeck trains Cy Pres Mindale. The quiet gelding stood patiently as the entire group took turns petting him after his shoeing was complete.

The classes were also taken to the Jimmy Shelton barn, where they learned about different aspects of harness racing. Shelton, who has 48 horses in his care this year, answered questions from students and teachers and kids learned about the care and feeding that goes into getting a horse prepared for racing at Hoosier Park.

Real Velocity and Jason Villander winning third straight F&M invite at Hoosier Park

Real Velocity and Jason Dillander charged down the stretch to earn her third consecutive win in the $23,000 Fillies and Mares Invitational Friday, May 16 at Hoosier Park. The duo won the event in a time of 1:52.4.

Racing out of the gate, JD’s Lady Lynn, guided by Brandon Bates, dashed to the early lead with Ready to Rumba, controlled by Brad Hanners, and Marvel Sahbra, guided by Don Irvine Jr., right behind. Reaching the quarter mile mark in :27.1, JD’s Lady Lynn still held onto the lead.

At the halfway mark in a time of :56.4, Go On BB, managed by Ricky Macomber Jr., raced to take control of the lead with JD’s Lady Lynn and Ready to Rumba pursuing. Reaching the three- quarter mile mark in 1:25.0, Go On BB controlled the top spot with JD’s Lady Lynn on the inside and Real Velocity placed on the outside.

A fierce stretch battle began. Charging down the stretch, Real Velocity took the entire length of the straightaway to get past Go On BB to take the lead and earn the victory by a neck. Ready To Rumba and Brad Hanners split horses late for second. Go On BB held strong for third in a four-horse photo that left fast-closing Me and My Baby and Joe Essig Jr. fourth by only a half-length behind the winner.

With the win, Real Velocity has won six out of nine races this year. The four-year-old mare has never finished below second place. Owned by TKO Racing Stable and trained by Trent Stohler, Real Velocity has increased her career earnings to over $316,000.

The duo of Double A Gloria and Don Eash finished strong in the second leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes, May 11 at Hoosier Park. The three-year-old trotting daughter of New and Notable won the event in a time of 2:01.4.

Savage Seducer, driven by Jim Shelton dashed out to take the early lead, with Deputy Julianna, controlled by Mike Hollenback, and JS Miss Clare, managed by Mike Peterson, right behind. Nearing the quarter-mile mark in a time of :27.1, Savage Seducer was still in command of the lead, with Deputy Julianna and JS Miss Clare still close.

Reaching the half way mark in 1:00.3, Ranger Nan, driven by Brooke Nickells, was able to gain control of first with Savage Seducer and Double A Gloria following. Approaching the three-quarter mile mark in a time of 1:33.3, Ranger Nan and Double A Gloria were competing for sole possession of first, with Savage Seducer trailing in third.

In the stretch, Double A Gloria took a slim lead over the opposition. Dashing towards the finish, Double A Gloria was in control of first with Savage Seducer closing in. At the finish, Double A Gloria held off the push from Savage Seducer to win. Deputy Julianna rounded out the top three.

“I heard her (Savage Seducer) coming and knew she was gaining, but my horse was still alive and was pretty good until the end,” Eash said. “She’s (Double A Gloria) a good-gaited filly and has a big heart.”

With the victory, Double A Gloria has finished in the top two places four out of her five races this season. Owned by Eash Racing Stable Inc. and trained by Eash, Double A Gloria has earned over $24,000 in her lifetime. She returned $ 7.60, $ 3.60, and $ 3.20 for her latest effort.

Mya Tri and Walter Haynes Jr. sailed to the front of the field for an easy win in the second leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes for three-year-old fillies at Hoosier Park Sunday, May 11. The heavy favorite crossed under the wire in 1:59.3 over a rain-soaked track.

Yourcomindown and Neil Coleman were first out of the gate with Mya Tri on her heels to the inside. Princess and Ricky Macomber Jr. led at the quarter mark in :27.1. Heading for the halfway mark, Mya Tri came from third and fired to the lead, coming out over one length ahead.

Mya Tri had secured the lead and Princess was in second. Impressive Jill, with Dan O’Mara in the sulky, was the first to challenge the leader. Mya Tri responded to a tap by Walter Haynes Jr. and opened up in the stretch for a commanding lead to the race.

It was an easy win for Stan Bayless’ Best Bet of the Night Mya Tri. Impressive Jill crossed five lengths behind the winner for second. Yourcomindown came in a distant third.

This was the 13th consecutive win for the homebred filly, Mya Tri. The daughter of Pining Fora Tri was the champion filly last year at two and is unbeatable again at three. Bob Wientjes, also the breeder, and Haynes Jr. are the owners. Sara Haynes is the trainer.

The third leg of the three-year-old filly Indiana Sires Stakes is scheduled for Thursday, May 29. The $100,000 final is set for Saturday, June 28 during Hoosier Cup Night where purses will exceed $1 million.

Another seasoned drive was turned in by reinsman Trace Tetrick in the second leg of Indiana Sires Stakes competition Saturday, May 10 at Hoosier Park. Tetrick, who leads the standings in 2008, guided Savanna’s Love to victory in the $12,000 event, keeping her career undefeated to date.

Starting from post three, Savanna’s Love was quickly moved into the action and placed within striking distance of heavily-favored leader Bogo’s Dream and Brad Hanners. Tetrick watched as Dark Traveler and Jason Dillander moved out and around for the lead to the halfway mark of :28.0. Our Dear Nicole was first to attack on the outside heading around the final turn and space opened up behind them at the most opportune time. Tetrick was able to move out behind Eash for perfect positioning into the stretch.

As the field headed home, Tetrick had a straight shot at the wire with Savanna’s Love, cruising to a two and one-half length victory over Bogo’s Dream in a time of 1:55.0, her best performance yet. Our Dear Nicole fought gamely to finish third.

“She (Savanna’s Love) is really a nice filly,” said Tetrick, who sat behind her for the first time in her seasonal debut last week as a winner. “We made a few changes on her this week and she was very sharp. She’s still a little green (inexperienced) but she drives like an older horse.”

Savanna’s Love is owned by Todd Cross of Seaman, Ohio. Chris McGuire trains the daughter of Dontgetinmyway. With only one start and one win at two, Savanna’s Love is now three for three in her brief career. She nearly doubled her career earnings to more than $9,500 with her victory in the Sires Stakes division.

EJ’s Copperstone was a winner in the second division of Indiana Sires Stakes for three-year-old fillies Saturday. Guided by Don Irvine Jr., the returning freshman champ from last season won her second straight race of 2008 in as many starts in a time of 1:54.1. Steve Gray trains EJ’s Copperstone for owners L.J. Stone and Phillip Hawk of Ind.

The Indiana Sires Stakes for three-year-old filly pacers will offer two more preliminary legs before the $100,000-est. final slated for Hoosier Cup Night Saturday, June 28. The top 10 money earners in the division will get a spot on the gate for the final, which will be part of the special $1 million evening in purses.

Don Irvine and Robin I Scoot winning leg of ISS 3 year old colt pace at Hoosier.

Robin I Scoot, the heavy favorite, did not disappoint in his second straight win in the Indiana Sires Stakes for three-year-old colts and geldings Friday, May 9 at Hoosier Park. The gelding overcame the sloppy conditions to win the $12,000 purse in a time of 1:53.4.

Andy’s Z Tam and driver Don Eash were first out of the gate. Clapifuc Bluegrass with Brad Hanners in the bike and Skyway Rocket with Neil Coleman at the controls followed in line behind. Robin I Scoot and Don Irvine Jr. came charging between horses to get into position.

After traffic had cleared at the quarter-mile mark in :26.2, Robin I Scoot made his move and took over the lead. Andy’s Z Tam moved into the pocket seat behind the favorite. Skyway Rocket was the first to challenge at the halfway mark, but did not have enough to take the lead and remained behind Robin I Scoot.

Robin I Scoot led the way into the stretch. Getting a tap from Don Irvine Jr., he opened up to over four lengths ahead of the field and crossed under the wire by five and one-quarter lengths before the rest of the competition. Andy’s Z Tam held his position for second and Clapifuc Bluegrass came in third.

The victory counted as the fourth win and third consecutive win for the freshman champion, Robin I Scoot. Robin I Scoot is owned by Dan Perdue of Greenville, Ohio and Shady Lane Meadows of Grabill, Ind. Perdue is also the trainer. The highly-favored son of I Scoot Hanover ended with odds of one-to-five.

The third leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes series is scheduled for Saturday, May 31. The $100,000-est. final is set for Saturday, June 28 at Hoosier Park, which is part of the special Hoosier Cup Night in which purses will exceed $1 million.

Freddy's Scooter and Brad Hanners winning leg of 3 y.o. colt ISS Friday at Hoosier.

FreddyScooter, driven by Brad Hanners, raced down the stretch to win the second leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes Friday, May 9, at Hoosier Park. The lightly raced sophomore gave sire I Scoot Hanover a sweep in the three-year-old colt and gelding pacing division as Robin I Scoot, also by I Scoot Hanover, won the other division of the event.

Racing out of the gate, Rocknroll Band, guided by Don Irvine Jr., dashed out to take the lead with Blueridge Finance, managed by Jim Shelton, and FreddyScooter fast approaching. Reaching the quarter mile mark in :27.3, FreddyScooter held a small lead over Rocknroll Band and Blueridge Finance.

Nearing the half-way mark in a time of :57.4, Rocknroll Band regained the lead from FreddyScooter, with Topville Dynamic, controlled by Ricky Macomber Jr., trailing in third. At the three-quarter mile mark in a time of 1:27.1, Rocknroll Band still was in control of first place, with FreddyScooter and Topville Dynamic rounding out the top three.

In the stretch, Rocknroll Band held the lead with FreddyScooter fast approaching. With the finish in sight, FreddyScooter took sole possession of first to earn the win by two lengths in a time of 1:55.1. Race favorite Unrecognized Saint, driven by Trace Tetrick, and Blueridge Finance finished second and third, respectively.

With the win, FreddyScooter picked up his first victory of the year. Owned and trained by Steve Brannan, FreddyScooter has earned over $48,000 in his lifetime. For his latest effort, he returned $8.80, $6.80, and $4.00.

The next leg of Indiana Sires Stakes action for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings is set for Saturday, May 30. The $100,000-est. final will be included on the Hoosier Cup Night program slated for Saturday, June 28.

The duo of Blue Punch and Shawn Christner were able to overcome the weather and the field to earn the victory in the first leg of The Tubby Trimble Wednesday, May 7, at Hoosier Park. Blue Punch earned his fifth straight victory in the effort and remains undefeated in 2008.

Racing out of the gate, Blue Punch was able to take control of first with Southern Pee Wee, driven by Brad Hanners, and My Man Moe, guided by Rick Farrington right behind. Reaching the quarter mile mark in :27.2, My Man Moe took control of first place and held a commanding two and one-half length lead over Blue Punch and Southern Pee Wee.

Nearing the halfway mark in a time of :57.0, My Man Moe held control of first over Blue Punch and Southern Pee Wee, with Hoosier Alibi, managed by Ricky Macomber Jr., approaching the trio. At the three-quarter mile mark in a time of 1:27.1, My Man Moe controlled the top spot with Blue Punch in second as Hoosier Alibi loomed in third.

Racing down the stretch, Hoosier Alibi led the way over the sloppy track surface and began to drift out. Blue Punch kicked into high gear halfway to the wire and pulled away from the competition to win in a time 1:56.1.

With the win, the three-year-old Blue Punch picked up his fourth victory in four attempts this year at Hoosier Park. Owned by Rex E. Jackson and Ron D. Pearson, the son of Pilgrims Punch is trained by Pearson. Blue Punch has earned over $19,000 this year.

The Tubby Trimble series will continue Wednesday, May 14. The final leg is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, with the winner receiving the largest portion of the $16,000 purse.

The dup of Rick Farrington and Two Weeks Notice held off the competition to earn their second straight victory in the $23,000 Invitational Trot Saturday, May 3 at Hoosier Park.

Racing out of the gate, Blowlowsanta, driven by Elliott Deaton, took control of the lead with Armbro Balance, managed by Jason Dillander, and Two Weeks Notice right behind. At the quarter mile marker in a time of :27.4, JL Flying Arrows, guided by Neil Coleman, took a slim lead over Two Weeks Notice, with Blowlowsanta trailing in third.

Approaching the halfway mark in a time of :57.3, Two Weeks Notice regained the lead over JL Flying Arrows with Blowlowsanta in third. Reaching the three-quarter mile mark in 1:27.3, Two Weeks Notice held onto a comfortable lead over Blowlowsanta and Armbro Balance.

Coming down the stretch, Two Weeks Notice was in first with Wigwam Baby, driven by Dan Shetler, and JL Flying Arrows in pursuit. Finishing in a time of 1:56.1, Two Weeks Notice held off the late push by Wigwam Baby and JL Flying Arrows, who finished second and third, respectively.

With the win, Two Weeks Notice, owned by Jason and Matt Sullinger and trained by Steve Waller, earned his sixth win in eight attempts this year. The seven-year-old son of Yankee Glide returned $4.20, $4.00, and $3.00 for his effort. He increased his career earnings to more than $385,000.

Double A Gloria and driver Don Eash make a sharp move to the lead halfway through the $12,000 preliminary leg of Indiana Sires Stakes action Sunday, April 27 to win the second division of the event. The duo blasted their previous best time of 2:11.2 out of the water, winning the race in 1:59.1.

Starting from post five, Double A Gloria moved out into fourth as Princess and Ricky Macomber Jr. showed the way to the quarter in a brisk :27.4. Down the backstretch, Macomber was able to slow the tempo to the halfway marker in 1:00.2. This was a sign for Eash, who rolled Double A Gloria right around the leaders and to the front.

Double A Gloria rounded the turn with authority and kept on going. The three-year-old New and Notable filly was well in hand to the wire. Lakeview Star and Dan Shetler did close in on the leaders late to finish second. Miracle Sprout and Trace Tetrick maintained ground inside to finish third.

The victory was the first of the year for Double A Gloria in her third start of 2008. Owned by Eash Racing Stable of Greenfield, Ind., the sophomore filly increased her career earnings to more than $18,000 with the win. Double A Gloria competed mainly on the Indiana fair circuit at two last season, only seeing action in the pari-mutuel ranks later in the year for Eash, who also trains.

Post position nine did not dissuade Mya Tri from beginning to end in the $12,000 first leg of Indiana Sires Stakes action Sunday, April 27. The sophomore filly made her job look easy, winning the event in a time of 2:00.3.

Accompanied by Walter Haynes Jr., Mya Tri blasted to the lead and never looked back, posting fractions of :27.2, :59.1, and 1:32.3. The two-year-old Indiana-sired champion filly last year roared to victory well in hand, winning by one and one-half lengths over ABC Valentine and Don Eash. Ranger Nan and Brooke Nickells maintained positioning for third.

The victory for Mya Tri was her first of the year in her first start of 2008. A perfect 11 for 11 last season, the daughter of Pining For a Tri is owned by Bob Wientjes and Haynes. Haynes’ wife, Sara, serves as the trainer for Mya Tri.

Pining For a Tri was also a member of the Haynes Stable during his racing years. During his career, he took a career mark of 1:54.4 and earned just under $200,000. He last raced in 2006, and is also owned by Wientjes, who is an accountant in Louisville, Ky.

The duo of ABC Mercedes and Mark O’Mara were able to sprint home to earn the win in the first leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes Sunday, April 27 at Hoosier Park.

Starting off, ABC Mercedes took the lead, with Genesis Victory, driven by Bobby Brower, and Brandon’s Secret, controlled by Don Irvine Jr., right behind. At the quarter mile mark in a time of :28.0, ABC Mercedes was in control of first, with Genesis Victory, and First Notable Chip, managed by Doug Rideout, pursuing.

At the halfway point, ABC Mercedes was in possession of first. Cuda Boy, commanded by Don Eash, began to challenge from the outside. At the three-quarter mile mark in 1:29.4, Cuda Boy was able to take over first place, with ABC Mercedes and Genesis Victory following.

In the stretch, it was ABC Mercedes holding off the competition to finish in a time of 1:57.4. Brandon’s Secret and First Notable Chip finished second and third, respectively.

“He (ABC Mercedes) sprinted away down the stretch and had more ability than the other horses at the end,” O’Mara said. “ABC Mercedes was pretty relaxed, but had to go at the end. His (ABC Mercedes) strength is like the race tonight. He had a quick start. Then, it was quiet in the middle, and he still had ability to finish the race.”

With the win, ABC Mercedes, owned by Larry W. Miller and trained by Joe Putnam, earned his first victory of the year in his first race. The three-year-old son of ABC Garland has won over $125,000 in his lifetime.

O’Mara was pinch hitting for trainer Joe Putnam, who guided ABC Mercedes to all of his previous seven wins last year. Putnam broke his arm near his right wrist during an incident in the third race Thursday, April 24. He is expected to be out as a driver indefinitely.

The Indiana Sires Stakes will continue with the second leg Friday, May 9 with the final held at Hoosier Park Saturday, June 28, which is Hoosier Cup Night. Purses will exceed $1 million during the event.

A move on the outside at the half-way mark helped Real Velocity, driven by Jason Dillander, pick up the victory in the Fillies and Mares Invitational, Friday April 25 at Hoosier Park.

Me and My Baby, controlled by Brooke Nickells, took the early lead with Glory G, managed by Trace Tetrick, and Real Velocity close behind. At the quarter-mile mark in :26.4, Real Velocity and Glory G were still pursuing the leader, Me and My Baby.

Approaching the half in a time of :54.1, Real Velocity made a move on the outside to take the lead from Me and My Baby. At the three-quarter mile mark, Real Velocity was still the leader, with Glory G, making a move on the outside.

Down the stretch Real Velocity was able to take sole control of first place to earn the $23,000 purse along with victory in a time of 1:52.3 by two and one-half lengths. Me and My Baby and Francie’s Dream finished second and third, respectively. Dillander earned his third win of the evening and completed the night with four wins on the program.

Real Velocity, owned by TKO Racing Stable, of Greenfield, Ind. and trained by Trent Stohler, has earned over $290,000 in her lifetime, along with four, first place finishes in seven attempts this year. The daughter of Real Artist had three previous wins in series action at The Meadowlands earlier this year.

Real Velocity is also the product of the standout pacing mare, Extreme Velocity, who earned more than $850,000 during her career and a win in the $280,000 Breeders’ Crown in 1997. The Stohler family of Markleville still owns the star race mare and continues to raise foals with her each year. Real Velocity is one of four foals from Extreme Velocity and one of three of racing age, including a two-year-old in 2008.

EJ's Copperstone and Don Irvine Jr. win a leg of the ISS at Hoosier Park on Friday.

Breakaway Victory for EJ’s Copperstone

By Alicia Hanger

EJ’s Copperstone and Don Irvine Jr. had a blowout victory in the first leg of the three-year-old fillies Indiana Sires Stakes at Hoosier Park Friday, April 25, 2008. The Indiana-bred pacer crossed the line in 1:55.3 to earn the $12,000 purse.

Electric’s Winner and driver Ricky Macomber Jr. had an early two-and-one-half length lead at the quarter-mile marker in :28.1. Heading toward the half-way point, EJ’s Copperstone came sweeping from fifth to take the lead.

Nothing could stop EJ’s Copperstone after that. She kept going into the wind down the stretch without looking back with a lead of six and one-quarter lengths at the line. Our Dear Nicole, controlled by Don Eash, and Lightning Lil, with driver Brad Hanners, rounded out the top three.

“I used the wind to push her (EJ’s Copperstone) on the backside and not use energy,” Irvine Jr. said. “I had a good hold on her and knew I could control the race from the half-way mark.”

Despite the heavy wind, which can take precious seconds off the time, Don Irvine Jr. led EJ’s Copperstone to a victory on her first start back this year. Owned by L.J. Stone and Philip Hawk of Gaston and trained by Steve Gray, EJ’s Copperstone returned $3.40, $2.80, and $2.10. The daughter of Lease On Life earned seven wins in nine outings last year at two and more than $100,000 in earnings. Her best time was taken at Indiana Downs in 1:53.2.

Mattnamaras Queen and Jason Dillander win Friday at Hoosier Park.

Royal Finish for Mattnamaras Queen

By Alicia Hanger

Mattnamaras Queen and driver Jason Dillander overcame the harsh wind to win the first leg of the three-year-old fillies Indiana Sires Stakes at Hoosier Park Friday, April 25, 2008. Mattnamaras Queen beat out the field of five pacers in 1:58.3 for the $12,000 purse.

The race started out five across until No Request and Trace Tetrick stepped it up and with the help of the wind, eased into the lead. Coming by the half-way mark in :57.3, No Request went off-stride and moved to the outside, allowing I Think Im Dreamin and driver Don Eash to take over the lead.

Mattnamaras Queen came up fast on the outside to pass, followed by Alexabeth and Ricky Macomber Jr. The two battled it out against each other and the wind in the stretch with Mattnamaras Queen and Dillander edging out the duo for the victory by three-quarters of a length. I Think Im Dreamin finished third.

“We had a big head wind against us,” driver Jason Dillander said, “But, we had a pretty good lead and the others left had gone off-stride, so I knew I had a leg up on them.”

This marks the first win of the season for Mattnamaras Queen, who is owned and trained by Stanley Miller of Etna Green, Ind. The second leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes is scheduled for Saturday, May 10. The $100,000-est. final will be contested Saturday, June 28 during Hoosier Cup Night, which features purses in excess of $1 million.