Taking a month off from racing after winning two straight Open Pace races was just what he needed. Buzzsaw Russ returned to the track Wednesday, March 25 to score an impressive win in qualifying action.
Guided by John DeLong, Buzzsaw Russ went straight to the lead out of the gate and was in control the entire mile. He established fractions of :28.4, :57.0, and 1:25.3 before DeLong asked the gelding for a little more speed. Buzzsaw Russ rallied home in :26.4 to win by five and one-quarter lengths, well under wraps in 1:52.2. Aye Aye Capt Russ and Kevin Lambright finished second with Eternal Blush and Kyle Wilfong finishing third.
Buzzsaw Russ is owned by Russ Beeman and Charles Weaver. The six-year-old son of Rockin Image has 18 career wins and more than $850,000 on his card. His career best time of 1:48.2 was taken as a three-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Missy Essig has trained the gelding his entire career. He returns to racing with a perfect slate of two for two in 2026.
Earlier in the day, trotter Dial Nine One One and DeLong were also impressive winners. The three-year-old Helpisontheway filly got away in third before circling to the lead after the quarter in :30.3. From there, she opened up at every pole, striding out to a 10 and three-quarter length advantage in 1:56.4. Hollywood Special and LeWayne Miller finished second with Ima Mess and AJ Wright up for third.
Dial Nine One One is owned by Haucks Racing Stables, Wiesman Farms, and Ernest Gaskin Stables. The filly was bred by Christina Macri and Gordon Graham of California. Her qualifier marked a new career best Wednesday after winning two of three starts last year as a lightly raced two-year-old. Dial Nine One One was initially purchased for $15,000 from the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale from the Black Creek Farm consignment. She is a half sister to Remarkable De Vie, a winner in 1:53.4 with nearly a half million on his card. The maternal line has numerous six figure winners, showing a strong depth of talent.
Harrah’s Hoosier Park is back in action Thursday, March 26. First post is 5:30 p.m.
