isaharness

Never underestimate The General

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 03:35:23 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

General Dolan and Trace Tetrick teamed up once again to do what they have done dozens of times before. The duo rallied home winners in the upper conditioned pace Friday, June 19 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Beginning from post one, General Dolan held his position along the inside as Play Action Pass and John DeLong shot out from behind the gate in the center of the track to take the top spot before the first turn arrived, giving General Dolan the garden spot to the quarter in :27.2. Round Here Buzz and Atlee Bender also left and chose the three hole as the field all settled into place heading to the half.

American Classic and Marcus Miller tipped out first over from the back and began inching up toward the leaders, but the top three led by Play Action Pass had several lengths on the remainder of the field.

Around the final turn, American Classic was getting closer but not enough to flush General Dolan or Round Here Buzz to the outside. In the stretch, General Dolan finally tipped off the back of Play Action Pass and Round Here Buzz followed his lead, also tipping out. It took the majority of the stretch to catch up and pass Play Action Pass but he got the job done, winning by a half length in 1:50.2, a final quarter paced in :26.0. Play Action Pass was nearly three lengths ahead of Round Here Buzz for second. Every horse in the field paced home in under :27 seconds.

General Dolan was not favored, paying $12.40 for the win. The 11-year-old son of Rockin Image has been owned by breeders John and Robert Esposito his entire career. Tyler George has had the veteran in his barn the past six years.

To date, General Dolan has 60 career wins out of 240 career starts. His career bankroll exceeds $735,000 with his career best time of 1:48.4 taken as a nine-year-old. His latest win is his quickest of 2026 and close to making him a sub 1:50 winner for the fifth time in his career.

On the other end of the spectrum, some of the younger performers on the program competed in several divisions of three-year-old action for the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit. Last year’s freshman standout Vel See You Later and Clint Coy turned in a gate to wire effort for a win in the sophomore pacing colts and geldings division in 1:54.2. The Highalator gelding picked up his fourth win of the season and his 10 ^th overall. Higher Voltage and Marcus Miller finished three and one-half lengths back in second to make it a Highalator double with Vel See You Later’s stablemate Vel Im Good finishing another two lengths back in third with Kevin Lambright in the bike.

Vel See You Later paid $4.00 for the win. He is owned by King Racing Stable and Therl Hensley. Larry King trains the sophomore, who was bred and raised at Schwartz Boarding Farm in Berne, Ind. under the direction of Alvin Schwartz.

Southside Kid on the right side of victory

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 02:33:50 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

It was a dash for dollars Thursday, June 18 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The veteran pacer rallied from gate to wire to win the five-eighths mile Dash for Cash in a time of 1:08.1.

Southside Kid hustled out of the gate for driver Kyle Wilfong as the gate folded down the backstretch, Acoustic and Cristian Pacheco filed in behind him in second with Baby Be Better and Ronald Burks sitting outside in third through the first quarter in :26.2 for the $5,000 claiming event. Southside Kid continued his front end style through the only turn of the race.

At the head of the lane, Baby Be Better was still pressing on the outside of Acoustic but Southside Kid was leading the way by open lengths. A final try by Bold and Brassy and Ross Leonard in the center of the track closed the gap a little on Southside Kid, but he was under wraps by Wilfong under the wire in 1:08.1. Bold and Brassy finished a length and a half back in second over Acoustic along the inside.

Southside Kid paid $13.60 for the win. The 11-year-old son of Skydancer hanover is from the Wilfong breeding operation of Lynn, Brett, Candice, and Barbara Wilfong. Ryan Bellamy now owns and trains the old timer, who earned his first win of 2026 and his 19 ^th overall. Unraced at two and three, Southside Kid took his career best time of 1:51.1 at Scioto Downs as a nine-year-old. He now has more than $180,000 in earnings from 175 career starts.

Southside Kid has gone through many ownership changes during his career. The claimer has been with Ryan Bellamy since early March of this year.

The Indiana Sired Fair Circuit was back with some divisions for three-year-olds later in the card. Sun Rae’s Triumph and Anthony Miller turned in a gate to wire effort in their three-year-old pacing filly division to score the win in 1:53.3. Dojea Endure and Kevin Detweiler finished three-quarters of a length back in second followed by Midnight Attire and Travis Seekman for third.

Sun Rae’s Triumph paid $2.80 for the win. The Best in Show sophomore is owned by Dessa, Zach and Alvin Miller. Zach handles the training duties for the homebred filly, who is out of the family’s tough race mare Pacific Sun Rae, who earned a mark of 1:51.4 and made more than $300,000 during her racing career. It was the fourth win in eight starts for 2026 for Sun Rae’s Triumph. The mile also established a new career best for the filly.

The ISFC divisions slated for the Wednesday, June 17 program at Harrah’s Hoosier Park were cancelled due to weather. The Indiana Standardbred Breed Development announced earlier Thursday those races will not be made up and points will be adjusted for the series.

This Captain Rocks rallies in ISFC at HHP

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 01:48:23 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

This Captain Rocks and Robert Taylor powered over a sloppy track and beat not only the field in the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit, they beat the severe weather that was traveling into Anderson, Ind. The duo was under complete control of the field to remain perfect in the young colt’s career.

This Captain Rocks began from post six and rallied out to secure a spot in third as El Speedy Gonzales and Travis Seekman scooted out to the lead, passing by the quarter in :29.1 in the freshman colt and gelding pace. Everyone stayed in single file to the half in :59.3 before This Captain Rocks was out and rolling to the lead.

At the head of the lane, This Captain Rocks took over and moved out to an open length advantage. In the end, This Captain Rocks was a winner by three and one-quarter lengths in 1:57.1, pacing home in :27.2. El Speedy Gonzales finished second to make it a Capt Midnight one-two punch with DD Endofanera and LeWayne Miller moving in for third.

This Captain Rocks paid $2.80 as the favorite of the field. The freshman colt is owned by Chad Webb of Kentucky and trained by Taylor. He is now three for three to kick off his racing career. The win was his quickest to date.

Harrah’s Hoosier Park quickly went into a weather delay due to a plethora of storms that rolled across Indiana with some fierce lightning. It was the beginning of the end of the racing card for the night at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

The only other race for the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit was the first division of freshman pacing colts and geldings with Rockalone and Trace Tetrick earning a near gate to wire win in 1:58.4. The Rockin Image gelding, trained by Tyler George, earned his second win in his third lifetime start. The mile was a new lifetime mark. Ranger Dan and Kyle Wilfong finished one and three-quarters back in second over Its My Era Now and Marcus Miller for third.

Rockalone paid $3.00 for the win. He is owned by TG Stable and was bred by Richard Frey.

Rebuff freshman shine in ISFC at Harrah's Hoosier Park

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 03:07:43 GMT

Rebum earns first career win

Photo by Dean Gillette

The spotlight was on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit Tuesday, June 16 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park as the series makes a stop this week under the lights and on the big track. Seven of the first eight races featured two-year-olds on the trot and the pace with first crop sire Rebuff sending out two winners, including Rebum driven by LeWayne Miller.

Rebum began from post one in a division of two-year-old trotting colts and geldings and was able to get out of the gate with speed to hold his own along the inside. Express Flight and Doug Rideout had a little more speed and was on top past the grandstand the first time. Three of the freshman trotters in the race went off stride before the first turn arrived as Express Flight and Rebum kept on task through the quarter in :32.0. Ebony Swan and Jay Cross sat in third as the field headed to the half. Express Flight and Rebum pulled away from the rest of the field at the half in 1:03.2.

Around the final turn, Express Flight scooted away from Rebum and had his ears pinned back as he prepared for the stretch drive. Rebum began to pick up speed and midway through the stretch, and although Express Flight didn’t give in, Rebum was able to trot right on by and score the win by one and three-quarter lengths in 2:04.0. Yankee Dan and Clint Coy trotted home the quickest of the field to rally home second over Express Flight.

Rebum paid $13.20 for the win. The Rebuff gelding is owned by Elite Five Racing, Roman Stoll, Stephen Stoll, and Gary Graber. He was bred by Martz Creek Farm and Roman Stoll with Harry Miller serving as trainer. It was the first win in three starts for Rebum, who previously had two second place finishes at Converse in the first two rounds of the ISFC.

Rebum sold during the Gold session of the Midwest Standardbred Horse Sale last fall for $20,000. He is the third foal from the Chapter Seven mare La Mirada and is a half brother to the tough Indiana trotter Martz Seven, who has a mark of 1:56.0 and earnings of more than $460,000. The third foal passed away, making the mare a 100 percent producer now.

The final ISFC race of the night was recorded by another Rebuff product as Skyway Storm and Doug Rideout rallied gate to wire for the win by more than eight lengths in 2:03.4. The freshman trotter paid $5.20 for the win. Steppinouttohelp and Robert Taylor finished second after recovering from a break over Brookview Holiday and Kevin Detweiler for third.

Skyway Storm is owned by Norvell Road Crew of Florida and was bred by Suellen Smith of Michigan. Rideout also trains the gelding, who is now a perfect three for three. The mile also established a new lifetime mark for the youngster who was a $15,000 purchase from the Midwest Standardbred Yearling Sale.

ISFC action continues Wednesday, June 17. First post is set for 5:30 p.m. featuring nine more divisions of freshman trotters and pacers. Three-year-olds on the ISFC will be on the track on Thursday and Friday at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Swan Jefe in boss mode at Running Aces

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 04:53:25 GMT

Swan Jefe and Rick Magee were in boss mode Sunday, June 14 at Running Aces. The duo upheld their race favorite status with a strong performance to win the $6,400 conditioned pace.

Swan Jefe began from post five and scooted out to grab the two hole right behind early leader Bustamindagonspi and Nick Roland. Fractions of :28.3 and :59.2. were placed on the board before Spicymoneymaker and Dean Magee began to inch up on the outside prepared to challenge. Swan Jefe remained inside as Spicymoneymaker moved by on the outside.

In the stretch, Spicymoneymaker took over from Bustamindagonspi as Swan Jefe dipped to the inside in the passing lane. Once he was clear, Swan Jefe trotted right by the opponents to win by two lengths in 1:58.3. Spicymoneymaker was second over Isthatevnaquestion and Mark Mintun for third.

Swan Jefe paid $2.80 for the win. The four-year-old son of Swan for All is owned by Jesse and John DeLong. Justin Anfinson trains the gelding, who was bred by Lavon Miller and John McGill.

It was the first career win for Swan Jefe, who had two second place finishes before his win Sunday. Unraced at two, the gelding competed at Harrah’s Hoosier Park last year, he moved to Minnesota for his four-year-old campaign. He was a $51,000 purchase by John DeLong from the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale. He is the first foal of the dam Youre Majestic, a winner of more than $638,000 with a mark of 1:53.0.

Another first time winner kicked off the Sunday program at Running Aces as Best in Shadow and Gary Rath took over in the final turn and rallied home a winner in 1:57.3. Allgavsumsumgavall and Nick Roland finished second over Too Much and Brady Jenson for third.

Best in Shadow paid $3.80 for the win. The three-year-old son of Best in Show is owned by Gary and Kathryn Rath. Glen Borntreger bred the gelding who is also trained by Gary Rath.

Best in Shadow only had four starts last year at two. He raced in Illinois last year and was at Harrah’s Hoosier Park this year before relocating to Minnesota in mid-May.

Odds were in favor of Odds on Mr Mamba in North America Cup

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 05:28:53 GMT

Indiana sophomore wins

Driver James MacDonald had a big decision to make following the eliminations of the Pepsi North America Cup. He won both heats in identical time. He obviously knew which direction to go when he chose to stay with Odds on Mr Mamba, who scored the win in the $1 million final Saturday, June 13 at Mohawk Woodbine.

Odds on Mr Mamba began from post three and once again, wasn’t the post time favorite. Beau Jangles, driven by Bob McClure held that honor. Most of the field left the gate with a little speed, especially the outside horses as Al Papi and Yannick Gingras and No Waitlist and Doug McNair left like a bullet from post eight and nine, respectively to reach the top spots before the first turn. Beau Jangles was sizing up the situation in mid track as Brandon Blvd and Dexter Dunn attempted to pop into a seat along the inside in fifth with Odds on Mr Mamba also having that idea to get away sixth.

However, in the first turn, that didn’t work out. Odds on Mr Mamba was back out and put pressure on Brandon Blvd to also leave the inside, which he did heading to the quarter in :26.1. That was the only time either horse would see the inside path the entire mile.

Beau Jangles was also out at the quarter and took over before the half in :54.1 to set the tempo for the second half. Brandon Blvd took his time moving first over and first up toward Beau Jangles. Odds on Mr Mamba was right at his back until the top of the stretch when MacDonald tipped him off cover and into the middle of the track.

At first glance of the stretch drive, it appeared Beau Jangles was going to be too tough to overtake on the lead. Midway through the lane, Brandon Blvd got a slight edge and Odds on Mr Mamba began to pick up his momentum, which carried him all the way to the wire as the winner by a half length, a final quarter paces in :26.3. As they went under the wire, MacDonald threw his fist up in the air in celebration as this was his first North America Cup win. Brandon Blvd, the horse that Dunn chose over driving Odds on Mr Mamba in the North America Cup, was a nose ahead of Beau Jangles for second in the 1:48.1 mile.

Odds on Mr Mamba paid $6.10 for the win. Commentators congratulated not only the connections of the sophomore phenom, they also congratulated the state of Indiana, who has turned out a true champion from the state’s breeding program. The world champion is now a perfect three for three and 10 for 11 lifetime and improved his career bankroll past the $880,000 mark. The win was just a tick faster than his victory in the elimination the week before for the year and his career best stays at 1:47.4, his world record setting mile last year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Odds on Mr Mamba was greeted in the winner’s circle by Peter and Melanie Wrenn, who accompanied the gelding to Canada. Odds on Racing bred and raised the son of Odds on Equuleus.

On to greatness for On to Norway

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 04:05:51 GMT

Everyone in Indiana knows how great On to Norway is. Now, the entire Standardbred racing industry knows as the Indiana gelding not only won his first start out of the borders of the Hoosier State, but he set a new track record in the $50,000 Graduate Series at The Meadowlands.

On to Norway was without his regular driver John DeLong and his regular groom Gracie McBride-Lopez, but he seemed to adapt well to his new surroundings. The Muscle Massive four-year-old was favored in the field of nine and looked the part. After Walspea and Jason Bartlett took over early from the gate, On to Norway was sitting in third for new driver Yannick Gingras and waiting until the quarter in :27.3 had been established. On to Norway could wait no longer and sprinted to the top to take over the lead at the half in :55.2. From there, On to Norway was in full control and was proving he was the one to overtake.

At the head of the lane, On to Norway began to pull away from his opponents, winning by open lengths in 1:49.3, eclipsing the track record set by JL Cruze for four-year-old trotting geldings. Walspea finished second over Meshuggah and Dexter Dunn for third.

On to Norway paid $3.60 for the win. He is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Frank Baldachino, Black and White Stable, and Michael Rosenthal. Bennett Farms Inc. of Michigan bred, raised, and raced the gelding before he was sold last April to his current connections and began his now 27-race win streak. Ron Burke trains the phenom trotter, who is four for four in 2026 to add to his 23 race win streak last season. Overall, his earings have now increased to nearly $725,000 with his win in the second leg of the Graduate Series.

On to Norway’s previous lifetime mark was 1:51.2 taken last September at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. On to Norway is the third and final foal from the Donato Hanover mare One Class Act. All three, who are Indiana breds, raced, with the other two, Fear Only The One and Sheriff Longmire by Indiana sire Whom Shall I Fear.

Rebuffpinklady turns in quickest freshman mile on ISFC

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:08:33 GMT

It was a big day for new trotting stallions in the state of Indiana as two-year-olds took to the track for the second time on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit at the Converse Fairgrounds. Turns out, the very first race of 16 for freshman trotters was the quickest on the day as three-fillies were stretched across the track at the wire, giving Rebuffpinklady and Doug Rideout the victory in 2:01.3.

Rebuffpinklady began from post one and shot straight out to the lead. She was joined by Satin Serenade and Derek Hooley who also had intentions to set the fractions. However, Rebuffpinklady didn’t want to give up her edge and the two fillies passed by the quarter in :30.0 before Satin Serenade inched up and took over the top spot, leading the field through the half in 1:01.0. The top two had moved away from the field heading down the backstretch for the second time. Brookview Hershey and Kevin Detweiler began to close the gap on the top two at the three-quarters in 1:31.2.

Around the final turn, Rebuffpinklady was back out and challenging, but Satin Serenade was not giving in. Brookview Hershey had caught the top two and swung three wide as Track Announcer Rick Uppal said she was making it a three-way party. In the lane, all three fillies battled to the wire with Rebuffpinklady getting the edge by a head over Satin Serenade, who was a head in front of Brookview Hershey.

Rebuffpinklady is the two-year-old daughter of new sire Rebuff. She is owned by Peter Schmucker Jr. and Julie Rideout. The homebred filly is trained by Rideout and she scored her first career win in only her second career start.

Later in the card Hooley was able to get a gate to wire win with the family’s Diamond Popper, a son of Temporal Hanover. The colt shot out to the lead and fended off late challengers for the win by three-quarters of a length over Expressive Legend, another Temporal Hanover product driven by Doug Rideout. Rebum and Luke Miller finished third.

Diamond Popper is owned by Summit Pacing Acres and trained by Byron Hooley. John Lengacher Jr. bred and raised the colt, who brought $10,000 through the sales ring last fall at the Midwest Standardbred Horse Sale. It was the colt’s first win after finishing second in the first round of the ISFC.

The ISFC now travels to Harrah’s Hoosier Park for four straight nights of action under the lights. Racing is slated for Tuesday, June 16 through Friday, June 19. The ISFC then moves to the Harrison County Fairgrounds in Corydon Thursday, June 25 and Friday, June 26.

Sassie Kassie wins racing debut on ISFC

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 05:06:54 GMT

The Indiana Sired Fair Circuit (ISFC) was back in action for round two Wednesday, June 10 at the Converse Fairgrounds. A total of 17 races were contested with 12 dedicated to two-year-old pacers. Among those dozen races, the state saw it’s first sub 2:00 miles as Sassie Kassie and Leapnpetesonhisway each recorded miles in 1:59 and change.

Sassie Kassie and driver Kevin Lambright began from the second tier so they had a few reasons not to get involved in the early fray when the gates opened. Both Slick as Silk and Doug Rideout and Kobe’s BB and Kevin Detweiler wanted the lead. They powered out and pressed each other early before Kobe’s BB settled on the front end and past the quarter in :28.3. The field was strung out behind him with Sassie Kassie back more than seven lengths as the field moved around the second turn.

When the field passed by the half in 1:01.2, Sassie Kassie had caught up to the field and was on her way to the outside, flushing cover and working out a perfect two-hold trip past the three-quarters in 1:30.0. From there, she bided her time to the stretch before opening up on the field and pacing home in :28.4 for the win in 1:59.0, the fastest two-year-old mark so far in Indiana. Vel My First Dream and Clint Coy held her ground inside for second over Slick as Silk for third.

Sassie Kassie is owned and trained by Kassie Lambright. It was the first career start for the Capt Midnight filly, who was a recent acquisition from breeder Freeman Bontrager. The filly is the first foal from the Rock N Roll Heaven mare who was born and bred in Australia. She took a mark of 1:52.2 and made more than $175,000 during her racing career and has obviously passed on her skills to her first foal.

Later in the card, it was the colt and geldings turn to take the track. Leapnpetesonhisway and Logan Loney rallied gate to wire to win their heat in 1:59.2, a final quarter in :29.3. JK Barbar and Kevin Detweiler finished second over Literally Rockin and Mike Peterson for third.

Leapnpetesonhisway is owned by Therl Hensley and trained by Rocky Loney. The son of Freaky Feet Pete was bred by Dr. Paul and Cathy Webb. The colt is now two for two in his young career.

The fastest mile for the entire day was awarded to Don’t Tell Anyone and Kevin Detweiler in a division of three-year-old colt and gelding trotters. After starting from the second tier, the Don’t Let’Em sophomore followed along in third behind Don’t Keep Secrets and Logan Loney before finding room in the lane and getting the edge over Don’t Keep Secrets by a half length in 1:57.2. You Know Dancer and Robert Taylor finished third.

Don’t Tell Anyone is owned by Black and White Stable and trained by Leander Schwartz. Dr. Paul and Cathy Webb also bred and raised the trotter, who picked up his second win of 2026. His win at Converse was a new career best for the trotter.

The ISFC is back in action Thursday, June 11 with two-year-old trotters and three-year-old pacers on the card. First post is 3 p.m. at the Converse Fairgrounds.

JD's King James puts slam dunk on Oak Grove field

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 03:11:23 GMT

JD’s King James put a slam dunk on the $11,000 conditioned pace field Tuesday, June 9 at Oak Grove. He ruled the entire tempo to score the win in the petite field of six with Marcus Miller in the bike.

Starting from post one, JD’s King James used that spot to his advantage and shot out to the lead from the gate. Fox Valley Compass put up a little of a challenge early before dropping back in the two hole for Archie Buford with Indiana sired Virgin Storm and Jamaal Denson following in third. Around the first turn, Fox Valley Compass was rough gaited and Buford started to pull him to the outside and make a challenge again but dropped back in behind JD’s King James before the quarter in :26.4.

As the field came by the grandstand for the first time, Tickled to Tears and Atlee Bender began their journey forward on the outside, pressing the pace last the half in :54.3. The two top horses continued to battle their way to the three-quarters in 1:22.2 with Fox Valley Compass biding his time tucked in behind.

Around the final turn, Track Announcer Peter Kleinhans noted there were four horses bunched together and it was anyone’s race. JD’s King James showed so slower foot on the inside with Tickled to Tears getting a slight advantage in the early stretch. But JD’s King James fought back and took back over. His white bridle and white back stockings were in full view at the wire for the win by three-quarters of a length in 1:52.2. Tickled to Tears finished second over Virgin Storm, who held his ground for third.

JD’s King James paid $4.70 for the win. The five-year-old son of Tellitlikeitis is owned by Lori Scholl and trained by Gary Campbell. Jacob Miller bred and raised the gelding, who earned his 11 ^th straight win. He now has more than $175,000 in earnings with his career best time of 1:51.2 taken as a three-year-old at Dayton Raceway. He is a recent acquisition by Scholl.

The Tuesday card at Oak Grove was closed out by Indiana sired Mister Hercules and Marcus Miller in the $13,000 conditioned claimer. After Just Chasing Tails and Geremy Bobbitt set the first quarter in :26.3, Mister Hercules was out and moving , picking up cover behind Star man and Brandon Bates. That cover brought him all the way to the stretch.

Once in the stretch, Mister Hercules moved out and went to work, powering by all his opponents for the win by two and one-half lengths in 1:53.4. Lakeside Tammy, also an Indiana sired product of Odds on Equuleus finished second for Joey Putnam with Star Man finishing third.

Mister Hercules paid $3.84 for the win. The five-year-old stallion is by Let’s Drink on It and is owned by Chad Bell of Mississippi. Terry Skinner trains the product of Alvin Schwartz’s breeding operation in Berne, Ind.

Mister Hercules picked up his second win of 2026 and his 12 ^th overall. The one-time ISFC contender has more than $59,000 on his card with his career best earned in his Tuesday win. He has been owned by Bell his entire career, purchased out of the Northern Indiana Yearling Speed Sale. He is a half sister to six figure winners Feelnlikearockstar and Vel Donna, and full sister to Lets Flip Onit, also a six figure earner.

ISA board holds June meeting

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 03:45:39 GMT

The Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA) held its sixth meeting of 2026 for the Board of Directors Monday, June 8 at the ISA Offices in Greenfield. A full agenda extended the meeting past two hours as the organization is in full mode for the 2026 racing season.

ISA President John DeLong called the meeting to order with Executive Director Tony Renz making a special phone call to longtime ISA lobbyist Mike McDaniel, who is now retired. DeLong told McDaniel he is one of three for the latest class of inductees into the Indiana Horse Racing Association Hall of Fame. McDaniel will be joined by Steve Cross, former track announcer and sales manager of the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale, and Joe Davis, longtime president of the Indiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. McDaniel was humbled and at a loss for words regarding the honor.

Delong went on to note McDaniel was instrumental in passing legislation that placed money earmarked to horse racing directly to the Indiana Horse Racing Commission to safeguard the money from other state expenditures, which came up each year. McDaniel worked with former Senator Luke Kenley to ensure horse racing purses and funding was protected in Indiana. McDaniel was also instrumental in developing the Governor’s Cup Championships on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit culminating with escalated purses at the Indiana State Fair.

Current ISA Lobbyist Matt Norris gave a short report on legislative updates and said the attention will now be placed on outreach. The hope is to host Legislative Days again at farms in Central Indiana to educate and expose legislators to the importance of horse racing.

Executive Director Renz noted he is currently working with Purdue on a potential economic impact study for release next year, which would provide valuable information to legislators for the importance of horse racing in the state, which affects all 92 counties.

President DeLong called for an election committee to be established for this fall’s ISA Director Election. Zach Miller will chair the committee.

Director Jay Hochstetler noted cost for the current Clinic at Harrah’s Hoosier Park will require additional fees next year, which the board approved to cover and move forward. Director Robert Taylor talked about several works in progress at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, including water in the paddock. DeLong noted two blood gas machines have been ordered with Renz providing a delivery date later in June.

Director Jamie Macomber gave an update on the Midwest Standardbred Horse Sale set for this fall. She said they have approved over 400 yearlings and their target is to sell 400 at the event. Discussion was held to potentially have a breeding auction with money raised enhancing current ISA initiatives. The ISA hopes to get more breeders involved in activities and processes for the state’s racing program.

Director Rhys Helt went over budgetary aspects for ISA and recently met with officials at the IHRC. He has been exploring ways to capitalize on funds in the ISA budget which will not only safeguard the money, but would provide a way for the money to grow, benefiting members of the ISA with long term goals of adding more benefits to the membership, all while staying under the current guidelines and bylaws for the organization. Helt was commended for his work to place the ISA in a better fiscal position.

Director Zach Miller noted the next deadline for college assistance is July 15. Director Doug Rideout gave an update on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit, noting 39 heats for the first week of action. He also said feedback has been very positive on the new video service provided for the ISFC this year.

Director Carrie Hollman noted several promotional activities coming up, including the new Owner’s Club which begins Friday, June 26. The event will be held in the Top of the Park from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. on select Friday evenings. She said to encourage owners to attend and bring their friends to learn more about horse ownership.

Owner’s Night is slated for July 31 featuring giveaways and catering from Mel’s in Shelbyville. Hollman reported the ISA currently has 877 members and encouraged ISA Directors to come up with premium item ideas for Indiana Sires Stakes Finals Night to enhance a silent auction.

Renz had several items for approvals which fell under the Promotions category, including packaging of trading cards for the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, an upcoming Friday Night Fling which begins July 17, Governor’s Cup trophies, eight in total, Empire of Hope activities, Elrod Schmucker Chicken meals during racing July 10 and August 21, an Ice Cream Social for horsemen and women provided by Maynard Miller’s Vanilla Bean Creamery, Speed Barn Tour activities and items, and the extension of the Grattan Helmet initiative through the end of 2026. The ISA also plans to provide a raffle item for Empire of Hope with proceeds directed to the Standardbred Transition Alliance.

Rideout also proposed a second golf outing for the fall due to the overwhelming response of 71 golfers at the recent event held at Grandview Golf Course.

Renz added to the promotional timeline provided by Hollman, noting The Ride with JMV on 93.5 and 107.5 remote at Fox Gardin in Fortville Thursday, June 11. The radio remote will go from 3 – 6 p.m. and will include racing participants as guests of the show. A second remote is set for Moran’s Bar and Grill of Anderson in July to promote horse ownership and family related connections to Standardbred racing. The remotes are provided in partnership between the ISA and the Indiana Standardbred Breed Development.

Director Jason Miller noted the State Fair has extended their deadline for county fair grants until Friday, June 19. He encouraged all ISA Directors to contact their local county fair organizations and prompt them to apply for the funding, which has been earmarked for racing at the county fairs.

In new business, approvals were received to do maintenance on the current ISA Office, including new railing on the front and paint and staining for the exterior. A new texting service was also approved to better serve the membership of the ISA.

Finally, discussion was held to reassign the current regional requirements for ISA Directors, which currently requires two from the northern district, two from the central area, and two from the southern portion of the state. A new proposal would only require one from each district with the other positions moving to an At Large Director. The proposal will need to be voted on by the membership of the ISA and would not go into effect until 2027. It was noted the board sometimes struggles to find ISA members in specific regions to run and serve on the ISA board. Verbiage is now being prepared for presentation later this year to ISA members to tweak the location requirements for the 15-member ISA board.

The ISA will hold its next meeting Monday, July 13.

Fifty Rivers flows home in Running Aces Open Trot

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:34:11 GMT

Running Aces Track Announcer Darin Gagne said it best: Fifty Rivers powered home to win his second straight race Sunday, June 7 in Minnesota.

Guided by Casey Leonard, Fifty Rivers was tagged as the favorite and was handicapped to the outside in the evening’s featured $15,000 Open Handicap Trot. When the gates folded, he was out and moving but so were several of his opponents to his inside. He was four wide heading into the first turn as Escaper and Rick Magee got the first call on top, taken over shortly before the quarter in :27.3 by Go have Fun and Brady Jenson.

The third lead change took just a few more strides as Fifty Rivers pursued the top spot and slid into the lead headed by the grandstand the first time. Once on the lead, the Indiana trotter relaxed and led the way through the half in :56.2, keeping up his momentum through the middle fractions.

In the stretch, Fifty Rivers began to pull away from the field, winning by a comfortable two and one-half lengths at the wire in 1:53.1, a final panel trotted in :28.1. Escaper finished second over Peanutbutterfalcon and Scott Cisco for third.

Fifty Rivers paid $5.40 for the win. The four-year-old son of Fiftydallarbill is owned by JMF Racing and trained by Kathleen Plested. John Barnard, who owns Indiana stallion Fiftydallarbil, bred and raised the gelding, who now has seven wins this season and 14 overall, He is just under the $200,000 mark in earnings. His career best time of 1:52.3 was taken earlier this year at Dover Downs.

Fifty Rivers is out of Barnard’s tough race mare Hudson Jesse, also an Indiana sired trotter who earned a mark of 1:54.0 during her career with more than $341,000 in earnings. In addition to Fifty Rivers, her latest foal, she has produced Hudson Swan, a winner in 1:53.3 with $41,000 on his card.

Odds on Mr Mamba wins North America Cup elimination

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 02:56:48 GMT

World champ makes first start out of Indiana a winning one

He did it! Odds on Mr Mamba proved he is the real deal on the national stage as he powered past a field of stellar opponents in his elimination of the North America Cup Saturday, June 6 at Woodbine Mohawk. Trained by Melanie Wrenn, the big powerful sophomore stopped the timer in 1:48.2 over a track listed as fast but had received rain earlier in the night.

Starting from post four, Odds on Mr Mamba didn’t have his sights set on the lead. He had his sights set on finding the inside path. Driver Dexter Dunn had opted off of him earlier in the week and drove Brandon Blvd, which left Melanie and Peter Wrenn seeking a new driver. They called on Woodbine regular James McDonald, who drove for the first time. MacDonald moved him over right behind Beau Jangles who got away fourth before Brandon Blvd slipped into the spot right in front of Odds on Mr Mamba at the quarter in :26.2.

Right before the half in :54.1, Beau Jangles was out and on the move forward with Brandon Blvd following him second over and Odds on Mr Mamba was third over. Around the final turn, Odds on Mr Mamba was three wide.

In the stretch, Odds on Mr Mamba was as wide as you could get in the stretch. Brandon Blvd got by Beau Jangles but he knew Odds on Mr Mamba was a big threat on the far outside. It took the entire length of the lane to get it done, but Odds on Mr Mamba was there at the wire in 1:48.2 by a neck in the photo with Brandon Blvd. The win streak was snapped for Beau Jangles who finished third for driver Bob McClure another length off Odds on Mr Mamba and Brandon Blvd.

Odds on Mr Mamba paid $7.40 for the win. The Odds on Equuleus gelding remains undefeated in two tries for 2026 and has only one defeat, his first career start last summer at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Overall, Odds on Mr Mamba moves to the $1 million Pepsi North America Cup Final eight for nine lifetime with earnings topping $400,000. The World Record Holder for the fastest mile ever by a two-year-old remains at 1:47.4, a mile recorded last year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

“I wanted to get myself in a good spot and let him do his thing,” said MacDonald in the post race interview. “Melanie (Wrenn) and Dex (Dexter Dunn) both told me he had a good late kick. I didn’t really want to go three wide in the turn, but he was pulling himself out of the hole.”

MacDonald, who won the other elimination of the North America Cup with Sweet Lovin Lou, also in 1:48.2, commented on the first defeat of Beau Jangles.

“We’ve learned over the years champions bounce back,” said MacDonald. “I think it will be a heck of a horse race.”

MacDonald talked about the call he got to drive Odds on Mr Mamba, only the third driver to sit behind him besides Peter Wrenn and Dexter Dunn.

“I saw I had a missed call from Indiana,” said Dunn. “I was working babies when the call came in and it took me a little while to call them back. I was sure hoping they didn’t find someone else to drive before I could call them back. I never dreamed in a million years I would pick this drive up.”

Trainer Melanie Wrenn was trackside also for a post-race interview, joined by Peter in the winner’s circle. She congratulated Dana Parham of Odds on Racing for the big win and noted the trip out of Indiana for the first time went very well.

“He (Odds on Mr Mamba) did everything perfectly,” said Melanie. “He didn’t miss a meal and shipped perfectly. It was a pretty easy decision get to James to drive. He is a great driver and its his home turf. He (Odds on Mr Mamba) is better off the pace and we didn’t want to be in the early hunt. We knew James would drive him perfect and he did the right thing.”

When asked about the difference in Odds on Mr Mamba from his two to three-year-old year, Melanie added, “He’s grown a bit. He’s still not a big horse but he’s got a lot of speed and he has a huge heart and he just wants to do it.”

Timber Man collects new career best in Friday win

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 03:31:15 GMT

Timber Man prevails between horses

Photo by Dean Gillette

Timber Man and John DeLong fought off a late charge by Assistant Coach and Atlee Bender to score the victory in the $11,000 conditioned pace Friday, June 5 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The sophomore gelding picked up the victory in 1:53.1, a new career best.

Timber Man began from post three and was able to get a spot up close early on as Darknstormy Deo and LeWayne Miller passed them up heading to the top spot before the quarter in :27.2. Timber Man was back out and rolling, taking over the top spot by the half in :56.3. From there, he was dominant on the front end, keeping open lengths ahead of himself and the remainder of the field.

In the stretch, Timber Man had moved ahead by three lengths as Assistant Coach came into the picture. He was rolling quickly up the inside toward Timber Man but his efforts were just a few inches too short at the wire with Timber Man winning by a head over Assistant Coach, the younger full brother to Coach Stefanos. Darknstormy Deo was on the outside to finish less than a length back in third in the three-horse photo.

Timber Man paid $11.40 for the win. The three-year-old son of Rockin Image is owned by Russ Beeman and Jack Freeman, the same ownership behind Indiana standout Little Rocket Man. Ken Rucker trains the gelding, who was bred and raised by Black Creek Farm.

Timber Man picked up his first win of 2026 with the effort, which was his quickest win to date. Overall, it was his second career win after one victory last year in limited starts. The gelding was purchased out of the final Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale by Freeman and Beeman for $30,000 under the name Rockin Herma. A name change to Timber Man placed him in the Rucker barn. His second dam is the mother of Odds on Equuleus, who took a mark of 1:47.3 and earned nearly $1 million before becoming a sire in Indiana, including his son Odds on Mr Mamba.

Earlier in the night, Golden Bay N and Trace Tetrick turned in a gate to wire effort to win the evening’s featured $22,000 Open Pace. M-Ms Bud and John DeLong finished a little more than three lengths back in second followed by Coach Stefanos and Marcus Miller for third.

Golden Bay N paid $3.80 for the win, his third in eight starts this year. The seven-year-old import from New Zealand is a son of Downbytheseaside and is owned by Castaldo Racing Stable and T G Stable, LLC. He earned 14 wins last year for the George barn and now has 18 in the U.S. with 24 career wins to his credit. Earnings are now over $250,000 for the veteran pacer.

Princess Draven reigns on ISFC

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 03:55:49 GMT

Another Tim Smith trotter excelling on the ISFC

It appears owner-trainer-driver Tim Smith has another standout trotting filly. Fresh off the heels of success with Fresh Face Yankee last season, Princess Draven turned in the fastest mile among all two-year-old trotters Thursday, June 4 during the second session of the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit (ISFC) at Converse. A total of 20 races were on the card with the first 13 dedicated to freshman trotters.

Starting from post three, Princess Draven shot out of the gate and took over the top spot before the first turn and led the way to the quarter in :32.4 and half in 1:04.4. Heading to the three quarters, Let’em Gocrazy and Clint Coy had been waiting patiently in the two hole and moved out to challenge but became rough gaited in the final turn, opening up room for Margot Go Go and Doug Rideout to advance on the leader.

However, Princess Draven was too strong. She continued to turn in an even rated mile and trotted home in :30.1 for the win by three lengths in 2:05.1, the fastest mile of the day for freshman trotters. Sweep Chick and Kevin Detweiler moved up for second over Margot Go Go for third.

Princess Draven is a two-year-old daughter of Don’t Let’Em. She was bred by Vernon Wittmer and was purchased by Smith for $9,000 from the Silver Session of the Midwest Standardbred Horse Sale last fall from the Wittmer Standardbreds consignment. She is the first foal from the Cantab Hall mare Draven Hanover, who took a mark of 1:58.2 with earnings of $84,000.

Smith’s three-year-old filly, Fresh Face Yankee, is currently four for four in 2026 while racing on the pari-mutuel ranks. Her latest win was in the first round of Indiana Sires Stakes with Jay Cross handling the driving and training duties.

The card also provided a look at the first crop of a few new sires, including Temporal Hanover. In the very first race, three of his foals took the top three spots with Sassytemper and Kevin Detweile getting the edge by a neck over Satin Serenade and Derek Hooley. The Simple Life and LeWayne Miller finished third.

Sassytemper is owned and trained by Joseph Wagler. Gary Miller bred the filly, who sold from the Double R Farm consignment at the Midwest Standardbred Horse Sale last fall. Wagler purchased the filly for $6,000.

Second place finisher Satin Serenade is the latest foal from the Hooley barn’s tough race mare Satin Dancer, a winner of more than $730,000. The Simple Life is a homebred for Lyndar Stables.

The quickest mile so far in the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit was recorded in the very first division of three-year-old filly pacers as Rita’s Girl and Kevin Detweiler earned the win in 1:56.4. The Highalator filly turned in a gate to wire effort for the win by three and one-quarter lengths with Chantilly Russ and Don Eash finishing second. Promiss Me Therock and AJ Wright finished third.

Rita’s Girl is owned by Ernest Wagler and trained by Joseph Wagler. It was her first win of 2026 and her third overall. The mile was also a new lifetime mark for the filly, who competed on the ISFC last year.

The ISFC is back in action next week at Converse. Two sessions will again be held Wednesday, June 10 and Thursday, June 11. The circuit then travels to Harrah’s Hoosier Park for a four-day stretch June 16 – 19, intertwined with the evening pari-mutuel racing programs.

ISFC kicks off 2026 season at Converse

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:13:08 GMT

Likeit Otoole one of five winners for Driver Clint Coy

The Indiana Sired Fair Circuit (ISFC) kicked off Wednesday, June 3 at the Converse Fairgrounds with a first look at the new crop of two-year-olds. The first freshman winner of the year was Likeit Otoole, one of five winners on the day for Driver Clint Coy.

Likeit Otoole began from post five and left the gate searching for the lead. She was met by Elate and Roy Wilson, who were also leaving the gate with speed. Elate had the edge over Likeit Otoole and took over heading into the first turn, allowing Likeit Otoole to slip in behind her in the two-hole. Shaynna Bay and DeShawn Horton were left on the outside through the quarter in :32.0 and half in 1:02.2. They did get a slight lead heading to the three-quarters, keeping Likeit Otoole covered up on the inside.

Heading into the final turn, Shaynna Bay began to back off the leader, giving Likeit Otoole just enough room to get out to challenge for the stretch drive. Once she was able to get rolling, she was able to get by Elate along the inside and began to go into defense mode from a late charge by Northern Nightstar and Jeff Dever. At the wire, it was Likeit Otoole who was a winner by one length in 2:03.1. Northern Nightstar finished second after recovering from a break at the start over Elate for third.

Likeit Otoole is owned by Lori Davis and Silver Star Stables. She is trained by Greg Davis. Gerald Yoder bred and raised the Tellitlikeitis filly, who was purchased for $8,000 last fall in the Midwest Standardbred Sale Company from Yoder Standardbreds during the Silver Session. She is the latest foal from the Real Desire mare Plenty Otoole, who is the dam of GD Cool Otoole (1:53.4) and Plenty O’Rock (1:55.2). The family has a weanling filly by Best in Show named Plenty O’Show.

The day was also the first showing of the first crop by Pet Rock, who relocated to Indiana from Ohio. He had three winners on the day, including Vel My First Dream, also driven by Coy. She was a gate to wire winner in 2:02.2 with a final quarter paced in :29.1.

The quickest freshman mile on the day was recorded by two-year-old colt pacer This Captain Rocks, trained and driven by Robert Taylor. After making a break before the start, This Captain Rocks rallied back and took over by open lengths at the three-quarters in 1:30.1. From there the Capt Midnight colt rallied out to a seven and one-quarter length advantage at the wire for the win in 1:59.1, a final panel in :29.0. Chad Webb owns This Captain Rocks, who was bred by Anthony and Michael Hill.

The ISFC is back in action Thursday at Converse, featuring two-year-old trotters and three-year-old pacers over 20 races. First post is 3 p.m.

The ISA is offering new live streaming services for the ISFC, which includes music between races, commercial time, and updated graphics of all races. To access the live streaming service, go to the ISA website at indianaharness.com and click on the tab across the top. Replays are also available on Youtube at the conclusion of the program with a tab also available on the live streaming page on the Website. Free programs for the ISFC are also available online through the Website and will also be available in the grandstand area before the races.

Odds on Mr Mamba heads to Canada

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 03:48:10 GMT

Match up between "Mamba" and "Beau"

Photo of Odds on Mr Mamba setting the world record at Harrah's Hoosier Park October 2, 2025 by Dean Gillette

The entire harness racing world will be watching Woodbine Saturday, June 6 for the eliminations of the Pepsi North America Cup. One of the eliminations places two powerhouse sophomores together that many have hoped to see. Odds on Mr Mamba and Beau Jangles will meet for the first time in their careers in the second elimination of the event slated as race nine on the Woodbine/Mohawk card.

Odds on Mr Mamba has drawn post four in the eight horse lineup with Beau Jangles beginning from post seven. Odds on Mr Mamba goes into the race off a win in the first round of Indiana Sires Stakes action at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Beau Jangles comes into the elimination a perfect three for three in 2026 and an astounding 15 for 15 lifetime after going undefeated last year at two. He has never left Canada and his career best was in 1:48.3 last year at Woodbine. Overall, the Dan Patch and Obrien Horse of the Year has more than $1.3 million on his card. Bob MClure will be in the driver’s seat as he faces off with world champion Odds on Mr Mamba.

Driven by Dexter Dunn, Odds on Mr Mamba has only passed by the winner’s circle once in his career. After beginning his racing career in mid July, he finished fourth in the first round of Indiana Sires Stakes. That was the only defeat of his career as he went on to establish a world record of 1:47.4 during Indiana Sires Stakes action last October. Odds on Mr Mamba makes his first start outside the state of Indiana in the North America Cup elimination for trainer Melanie Wrenn and Odds on Racing.

The matchup will be the premier racing event of the season thus far. Two powerhouses testing their skills on a night filled with stakes races.

Another horse who has Indiana ties is part of the Fan Hanover eliminations. Topville Lucky, who carries the Indiana farm name with her, has drawn post two in the first elimination of the race. Driven by Dexter Dunn, the Sweet Lou filly was bred and raised by Jeremy Yoder of Topeka, Ind. and was sold at Harrisburg for $27,000. She began in the Erv Miller barn and qualified at Harrah’s Hoosier Park last July before heading out on the stakes service. She has since been sold and now races for the Andrew Harris Stable. She was six for seven last year as a two-year-old and makes her second start of 2026 in the Fan Hanover elimination, bringing her best mark of 1:49.1 with her, taken last year at The Red Mile.

Another Indiana horse on the Saturday card at Woodbine is Soaring Now, who has drawn post eight in the $40,000 Open Pace. The JK Endofanera six-year-old gelding has four wins this season while racing at Woodbine. Louis Roy drives the gelding, who is working on $700,000 in career earnings.

Racing from Woodbine/Mohawk begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. The North America Cup Elimination featuring Odds On Mr Mamba and Beau Jangles has an estimated post time of 10 p.m. Out of the 16 entered in the eliminations, the top five finishers from each elimination return for the $1 million final set for Saturday, June 13. The event is a Grade 1 race and will be in its 43 ^rd running this year.

Dragon Perfect turns in perfect trip for Oak Grove win

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 03:28:15 GMT

Dragon Perfect was breathing fire heading down the lane Monday, June 1 at Oak Grove. The Indiana pacer got the jump on the field, pulling away to a victory in 1:53.4.

Dragon Perfect had a perfect two-hole starting spot and used a little early speed but could only slip into the four hole at the start for driver Geremy Bobbitt. It’s a JK and Brandon Bates rallied out from the rail for the first lead and was joined by Esteem and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. and Lil Joe IV and Josert Fonseca. Shortly after the quarter in :27.0, Lil Joe V was on the move to the lead and went off stride in the second turn, forcing Esteem three wide to avoid the breaking horse. Dragon Perfect had started to pick up cover behind Esteem but opted back inside to get around the breaking horse.

As the field moved down the backside, Dragon Perfect was back out and on the move, briskly taking over the top spot and jetting around the final turn to open up on the field. In the lane, Dragon Perfect was ahead of the field by six and only White Belly and Atlee Bender had a shot of catching him. But in the end, Dragon Perfect was a winner by five and one-quarter lengths in 1:53.4, a final panel paced in :28.4. White Belly finished a comfortable second over Indiana sired Lucks On Time and Pat Curtin for third.

Dragon Perfect paid $12.74 for the win. The six-year-old Always a Virgin gelding is owned and trained by John Mungillo. Nathan Miller and Justin Yoder bred and raised the gelding, who earned his first win of the season.

Dragon Perfect began his career under the direction of Perry Smith. He was purchased by Smith out of the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale under the name JN First Time for $15,000 as part of the Bluebird Meadows consignment, who acted as agent for Miller and Yoder. He was the first foal of Dragon Damsel, who earned a mark of 1:53.1. Since that time, she has produced two other winners, JN Pretty Damsel (1:52.0) and The Valley (1:54.1) and is currently racing. The family has a three-year-old colt this season named JN Dragonofthenite. To date, Dragon Perfect has nine wins and took his career best time of 1:51.1 last year at The Red Mile. He now has more than $89,000 on his card. He has been with his current connections for the past year.

Another Indiana winner closed out the card as Odds on Anubis and Andy Shetler took over after the quarter and withstood the late charging bunch to win by a half length in 1:53.1. Kountry Carrots, an Indiana sired son of Capt Midnight, finished second for Atlee Bender followed by The Legend Hanover and Jamaal Denson.

Odds on Anubis paid $2.42 as the favorite of the field. The Odds On Equuleus is owned by Janie Hartley and trained by Shetler. Odds on Nourrir bred the gelding, who has now won two races this season and seven overall. His career best time of 1:51.3 was taken this year in his previous win at Oak Grove.

2026 ISFC kicks off Wednesday at Converse

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:13:37 GMT

First look at Indiana two-year-olds

Photo of Slick as Silk and Doug Rideout by Dr. Alan White

Indiana has a strong county fair program and the first round of action is set for Wednesday, June 3 at the Converse Fairgrounds. A total of 19 races will be contested on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit (ISFC) with 13 of those dedicated to two-year-old pacers, Indiana’s first look at the newcomers.

Each year, there are new bloodlines represented and this season will showcase the first Indiana crop of Pet Rock, who relocated to Indiana after the 2022 breeding season. His first crop hits the track this season and with only 12 registered foals, there are several in the lineup at Converse. Pet Rock was very successful in Ohio with one millionaire, Sectionline Bigry, and six sub 1:50 performers, including 2024 Dan Patch winner Dunkin’. The first Indiana foal slated to compete is in the third race as Vel My First Dream will begin from post two for driver Clint Coy and Trainer Larry King. The filly is out of the former ISFC contender Velstraightdreamer, who was also campaigned by King. Vel My First Dream is her first foal and she has a yearling this year, also a filly by Pet Rock, named Vel My Moms Avel.

While Pet Rock sees his first Indiana crop on the track, Keystone Velocity sees his final Indiana crop on the track this season. After standing one season in New Jersey, Keystone Velocity stood at stud for four years in Indiana and exited to Prince Edward Island after the 2023 breeding season. He has several slated to start at Converse including the first race with the filly Vel That’s My Girl, driven by Doug Rideout for Larry King.

The first race will also include the debut of Northern Lei Ann’s latest foal Northern Nightstar. The Capt Midnight filly begins from post two for trainer-driver Jeff Dever on her home track. Her dam, Northern Lei Ann, was a successful race mare on the Indiana circuit, earning more than $200,000 and a mark of 1:52.1. She has produced eight starters from nine of racing age, including Northern Rocknroll (1:52.4, $221,000) and Northern Cadilac (1:50.1, $172,000).

The second race also features a former Indiana race mare’s first foal as Slick as Silk will begin from post six for trainer-driver Doug Rideout. Pure Cotton, owned by Dr. Alan and Carol White, completed her racing campaign with 17 wins and more than $225,,000 in earnings. The one-time ISFC contender earned her career best time of 1:50.2 at Plainridge as a four-year-old. She retired in June of her five-year-old season and was in foal that year, which is Slick as Silk. Her second foal is a yearling this year, a colt named Zevon by JK Endofanera for the Whites.

The first day of action at Converse begins at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 3. In addition to the two-year-old pacers, six races will include three-year-old trotters. The second session is set for Thursday, June 4 and will feature two-year-old trotters and three-year-old pacers. The draw for the Thursday program will be held Monday.

Customer Support answers all questions in Saturday trot

Sun, 31 May 2026 03:09:21 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Customer Support and Jay Cross answered all questions in the $7,000 conditioned trot Saturday, May 30. The duo completed the month with a victory, timing the wire just right for the win by a nose in 1:55.0.

Starting from post two, Customer Support had little early speed and got away in mid pack as Land of Freedom and Jordan Ross rallied from the center of the track and took over the top spot before the quarter in :27.4. Irresistible Son and Kyle Wilfong also left for the lead and took over after the quarter, settling in before the half in :57.2.

Horses began to move to the outside from the back, but they were stalled, leaving space for the horses traveling along the inside path to get out at the head of the lane and gain some racing room. This group included Customer Support who made his way to the outside before kicking into gear for the stretch drive.

Customer Support was so far back, he was out of the picture of the top horses closing in on the wire. He trotted his final quarter in :26.4 to hit the wire at the perfect time for the win by a nose over Land of Freedom. Dans Credit and Rick Plano held their ground inside for third.

Customer Support paid $23.60 for the win. The five-year-old son of Dover Dan is part of the longtime connection of owner Ted Engel and trainer Dave White, who is based out of the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Black Creek Farm and Hickory Hollow Stables bred and raised the gelding, who was purchased by Engel late in the second session of the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale for $22,000. Customer Support is the second foal from the Cantab Hall mare Talkin Tootsie, who is a half sister to the tough racehorse Great Emancipator, a winner in 1:53.4 with nearly a half million on his card. The family has a three-year-old by Swan for All named Jabber Jaw and a four-year-old, also by Swan for All named Swanwayoranother that are both currently racing.

Another trotter who stole the spotlight on the night is 2025 Trotter of the Year on to Norway. The now four-year-old Muscle Massive gelding trotted home to his 26 straight victory, staying a perfect three for three in 2026 in the co-featured $22,000 Open Trot. On To Norway and John DeLong took over after the quarter and held his rivals to his back, winning by one length over Ponda Jet and Kyle Wilfong in 1:51.4, just two ticks off his career best. Operator and Marcus Miller finished third.

On to Norway paid $3.00 for the win. He is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Frank Baldachino, Black and White Stable, and Michael Rosenthal. Bennett Farms Inc. of Michigan bred and raised the gelding, who has been with the Ron Burke barn since last April and has not lost a race in over a year.

In the co-featured Fillies and Mares Open Pace, last year’s divisional winner Can’ttouchthese and John DeLong scored the victory in 1:51.0, a final panel paced in :25.4. Goo Goo Won and Kyle Wilfong finished second over Fox Valley Lava and Brandon Bates for third. Can’ttouchthese, trained by Roger Welch, is a homebred daughter of JK Endofanera for William DeLong, Wm. Patrick DeLong, and Doug Riccolo. It was her first win of 2026 out of three tries after winning 11 races last year as a three-year-old.

Major Attribute major Friday upsetter

Sat, 30 May 2026 02:31:43 GMT

Veteran gelding scores in three-horse photo

Photo by Dean Gillette

Major Attribute and Driver Travis Seekman turned in a major upset Friday, May 29 in the $7,000 conditioned pace at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The duo rallied home in :26.3 to score the win by a neck in a three-way photo at the wire.

Major Attribute began from post five and found his way to the inside path, getting away in sixth as American Classic and Marcus Miller made their way to the lead, posting the first quarter in :26.3. Aye Aye Capt Russ and Kevin Lambright were first over on the outside at the half in :55.2 and remained on the outside around the final turn.

In the stretch, American Classic was able to get the edge on Aye Aye Capt Russ, but it was the late closers that caused the most noise in the lane. Joker Rockwell scooted up the center of the track for Jordan Ross to close in while This Kit Rocks and Atlee Bender held their ground on the inside. Major Attribute was widest of all and timed the wire just right for the win over American Classic. Joker Rockwell finished third between horses.

Major Attribute paid $22.40 for the win. The 11 year old Fred and Ginger gelding is owned by Michael Letton and is a home bred, raised by Robert and Michael Letton. Desirae Seekman trains the old timer, who scored his first win of the year. Overall, he has 28 starts and more than $250,000 in earnings. His career best time of 1:50.2 was taken as an eight-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. He has been with the Letton family his entire career.

The feature of the night was the $22,000 Open Pace with another slight upset winner as Golden Bay N and Trace Tetrick turned in a gate to wire effort, fending off M-M’s Bud and John DeLong at the wire for the win in 1:49.4. Fox Valley Kodiak and Kyle Wilfong rounded out the trifecta.

Golden Bay N paid $8.20 for the win. The seven-year-old son of Downbytheseaside is owned by Castaldo Racing Stable and TG Stable. The New Zealand born gelding is trained by Tyler George. It was the second win of the season for the gelding, who earned 14 wins in 26 starts last season for the George barn. His career best time of 1:48.2 was taken last year.

Mellow Fellow comes to life in stretch

Fri, 29 May 2026 02:48:42 GMT

Sophomore pacer earns new lifetime mark

Photo by Dean Gillette

Mellow Fellow and J.D. Finn came to life in the stretch Thursday, May 28 in the $12,500 conditioned pace at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The duo rallied home to a lifetime best in 1:51.3, a final panel in :26.1.

When the gate began to fold, Mellow Fellow was on the move and easily slid over to the top spot with Darknstormy Deo and LeWayne miller holding their position on the inside. Cowboy Show and John DeLong dropped in the three hole as Mellow Fellow led the way through the quarter in :29.0. Cowboy Show was having trouble staying in a hole, so DeLong moved him to the outside and he shot to the lead like a bullet, taking over at the half in :57.3. The top three were lengths ahead of the rest of the field heading into the final turn.

At the head of the lane, Mellow Fellow tipped off Cowboy Show and began to show his intentions that he planned to retake the lead. Cowboy Show wasn’t backing down and the two pacers fought hard all the way down the lane. In the final eighth, Mellow Fellow began to get the edge over Cowboy Show and moved out to a one and three-quarter length advantage for the win over Cowboy Show. Darknstormy Deo finished third.

Mellow Fellow paid $5.40 for the win. The three-year-old son of Rockin Image is owned by Ira Steinberg and trained by Finn. Lyle Bontrager and Lamar Yoder bred and raised the gelding, who has been first or second in all six starts this season. He sold under the name Burbon Chocolate at the Northern Indiana Yearling Speed Sale for $10,000 to Steinberg. He is the only foal of the JK Endofanera mare Skyway Damsel, who took a mark of 1:52.4 during her brief career.

Later in the program, Helpfull Yankee and Jay Cross used a second half move to trot right on by her opponents for the win in 1:58.1 in the $10,000 conditioned trot. What Don’t Ya Know and Robert Taylor finished one and three-quarter lengths back in second followed by Proxie’s Photo and Kevin Detweiler for third.

Helpfull Yankee paid $47.20 as the longest shot in the field. The Helpisontheway sophomore is owned and trained by Scott Christner. Marlin and Marlin Graber Jr. bred and raised the filly, who competed on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit last year. It was the first win of the season for Helpfull Yankee, who now has five career wins and more than $15,000 on her card.

Kevin Detweiler earns first pari-mutuel win

Thu, 28 May 2026 02:09:22 GMT

HC Caviar gives Detweiler his first PM win

Photo by Dean Gillette

Driver Kevin Detweiler put a lot of time in on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit (ISFC) last summer, perfecting his driving skills. He graduated to the pari-mutuel ranks this spring and earned his first pari-mutuel driving victory Wednesday, May 27 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park behind trotter HC Caviar.

Starting from post two, HC Caviar left the gate with some speed but was quickly overtaken by Help or Hinder and Doug Rideout before the quarter in :28.2. The field was gapping a lot off the leader down the backstretch before HC Caviar closed the gap and went around Help or Hinder at the half in :58.1 to take control of the front end. The You Know You Do trotter kept an even tempo around the final turn as Bills in Jail and Trace Tetrick moved up to challenge on the outside.

In the stretch, Bills in Jail got a slight advantage over HC Caviar but the trotter with the short tail dug back in and retook the lead before pulling away to a two-length advantage over Bills in Jail. Disobedient and Rick Plano sprinted home to finish third. The time of the mile was 1:56.0.

HC Caviar was a longshot in the race, paying $36.20 for the win. The sophomore gelding is trained by Leander Schwartz and owned by Black and White Stable. Homestead Acres bred and raised the gelding, who earned his first career win after four starts this year combined with seven last season, mainly on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit.

For Detweiler, it was his 15 ^th start as a pari-mutuel driver and only his fourth start at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. After obtaining his P license in April, he traveled to Northfield Park and drove in 11 races before returning to Indiana. He drove in 237 races last year on the ISFC, winning 35 of them. Last year was the first year driving for the Milroy, Indiana native who just turned 18 earlier in May.

Another longshot winner on the Wednesday card was Got The Grins and Cristian Pacheco. The duo rallied from mid pack in the second half of the race and timed the wire just right to win in 1:53.1, a final quarter in :27.2. Incredible Luck and Jordan Ross finished second over Dandy’s Mmm and Kyle Wilfong.

Got the Grins paid $20.60 for the win. The Rockin Image four-year-old mare is owned by Cody Eustis and trained by Charles Eustis III. Ellis Bryant bred the mare, who earned her first win of 2026 and recorded a new lifetime mark in the process.

Ponda Rocky rolls at Plainridge

Wed, 27 May 2026 02:33:52 GMT

Ponda Rocky and Kevin Switzer Jr. had every reason in the world not to finish strong in the $18,000 conditioned trot Tuesday, May 26 at Plainridge Park. The Indiana trotter was pressured every step of the mile and still finished strong to win in 1:53.4.

Ponda Rocky began from post two and moved out to the lead as the race favorite. The large veteran gelding Double Account and Ron Cushing sat in second right at his back with Wendell Blue Chip and Matthew Athearn pursuing the top spot from the outside. Around the first turn, Wendell Blue Chip began gaining ground on Ponda Rocky as the field went by the quarter in :26.4.

The tempo slowed a little to the half in :55.3 as Ponda Rocky led only by a half length over Wendell Blue Chip, who sat on his outside like a prompter. Heading to the three-quarter pole, Wendell Blue Chip brought terms up to even with Ponda Rocky in 1:24.1 and was not backing away around the final turn. Double Account was sitting with a big hold from Cushing in third.

At the head of the lane, Wendell Blue Chip finally began to back off as Ponda Rocky began to drift to the middle of the track. Double Account had all the room he needed to advance on the inside, but Ponda Rocky was too strong, pinning his ears and trotting to the finish for the win by two and one-quarter lengths in 1:53.4. Wendell Blue Chip held his ground for second over Double Account.

Ponda Rocky paid $3.40 for the win. The four-year-old son of Pastor Stephen is owned by Mark Eaton and Robert Griffin of Massachusetts and trained by Eaton. Ponda Rocky carries his farm name with him as a product of Pond-A-Acres.

Ponda Rocky picked up his second win of 2026 and his eighth overall. He was close to his career best time of 1:53.0 taken last year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The former Indiana Sires Stakes contender for trainer Erv Miller relocated to Plainridge at the conclusion of his three-year-old season. The $65,000 purchase from the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale is best known as the younger brother of standout trotter Ponda Adventure, a winner in 1:52.2 with more than $700,000 in earnings as a multiple stakes winner.

Ponda Rocky is the richest and fastest performer of Pastor Stephen, who only stood two seasons in Indiana after being exported back to the U.S. from standing in Sweden. He was 2010 Dan Patch Two-Year-Old Trotting Colt of the Year and was a millionaire when his racing career was cut short due to an injury at three. Overall, he has 14 in 2:00 or faster from 29 starters out of 36 foals in Indiana. Ponda Rocky was from his first crop with 23 sold at public auction that year. A full brother to Father Patrick, Pastor Stephen now stands at Llowalong Farms in Australia. Altogether, Pastor Stephen has sired nine millionaires, including German Breeders Crown champion Officer Stephen.

Fresh Face Yankee remains perfect in 2026

Tue, 26 May 2026 03:00:04 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

There’s nothing better than a holiday card filled with Indiana Sires stakes contenders. Memorial Day racing kicked off the 2026 season for Indiana Sires Stakes for three-year-olds with several returning champs and one fresh face. Fresh Face Yankee, who dominated last year on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit, stepped up to win her division in decisive fashion and remain undefeated this year in a division of the three-year-old filly trotters Monday, May 25 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Guided by Jay Cross, who is now handling the training duties of the filly, Fresh Face Yankee began from post six and rallied right out for the lead. Once settled on the front end, she posted fractions of :28.1, :58.0, and 1:27.1 before turning in an amazing final quarter in the stretch to win by one and one-quarter lengths in 1:53.3. Her final quarter was trotted in :26.2. Help Cum Laude and Atlee Bender finished second followed by Expressive Gal and Kyle Wilfong. Every horse in the race but one trotted home in under :27 seconds in the first round of Indiana Sires Stakes action.

Fresh Face Yankee paid $3.80 as the favorite of the field. The three-year-old Crescent Fashion filly is owned by Tim Smith, who campaigned her during her freshman season. The filly is now four for four this season and the mile was a new lifetime mark. Overall, she has 13 wins in 19 career starts and boosted her career earnings to more than $89,000 in earnings.

In the other division of sophomore trotting fillies, last year’s divisional champion, For Dayze and John DeLong scored a new gate to wire effort to win their $48,500 division of Sires Stakes action. The Swan for All filly rallied home for the win by a half length over Dial Nine One One and Jordan Ross in a time of 1:55.3. Honeymoon and Trace Tetrick finished third.

For Dayze paid $3.00 as the favorite. She is owned by William and William Patrick DeLong. Roger Welch trains the filly, who was bred by Ernie Lambright. It was the first win in the second start of 2026 for the filly, who won six of her 10 starts last season. She boosted her career tally to more than $300,000 with her win in the first round of Indiana Sires Stakes action.

A full rundown of all Indiana Sires Stakes winners will be provided by Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Northern Indiana Yearling Speed Sale entries open June 1

Mon, 25 May 2026 02:57:56 GMT

Entries open for Northern Indiana Yearling Speed Sale June 1

Entries for the 2026 Northern Indiana Yearling Speed Sale (NIYSS) will begin next week. The event is set for Monday, November 9 and Tuesday, November 10 at the Topeka Livestock Auction in Topeka, Ind.

After taking a break last year, the NIYSS will begin accepting entries Monday, June 1. The deadline to register for the sale is Saturday, August 1. The sale format features same day payout and sellers receive 100 percent payout day of the sale. The consignment fee is $150 and the commission is set for six percent up to $10,000 and three percent beyond that figure.

Several top performers in the state of Indiana have graduated from the sale in recent years. Featured on the creative for the 2026 sale is Musclefantastic, a 2022 sale graduate. The trotter was the winner of the Two-Year-Old Super Final for colts and geldings in Indiana Sires Stakes action and was a starter in the Breeders’ Crown later that fall. His career best time that year was 1:55.1. Other graduates who are stakes winners include Dashing Danny, Star of Midnight, and Easter Jack.

To obtain a consignment form, contact the Topeka Livestock Auction office at (260) 593-2322. For more information on the NIYSS, contact Richard Fry at (260) 593-3686.

Watch Miss Tucky has sights set on victory

Sun, 24 May 2026 04:19:22 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Watch Miss Tucky and Brad Ferguson gave the fans something to watch in the final strides of the $18,000 Fillies and Mares Open 2 Trot Saturday, May 23 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The duo traveled down the lane with a big final eighth to score the win in 1:53.2.

Watch Miss Tucky began from post three and left the gate seeking a spot near the lead. She was able to lead the field for a few steps before ER Kelly and Trace Tetrick took over before the quarter in :27.3. Heavily favored Southwin Mai Tai and Kevin Lambright got away in third as the field remained in single file to the half in :57.0. Southwind Mai Tai was flushed out around the final turn and came up beside Watch Miss Tucky. The two mares matched each others stride at the head of the lane, both hoping to catch ER Kelly, who was holding strong on the lead.

It took about half way through the stretch before Watch Miss Tucky kicked into another gear splitting horses and rallying home to a three-quarters of a length win over ER Kelly. Southwind Mai Tai finished third.

Watch Miss Tucky paid $14.60 for the win. The five-year-old daughter of Pinetucky is trained by Neil Coleman, who co-owns the trotter with Lloyd Schneiderman. Black Creek Farm bred and raised the mare, who earned a new lifetime mark in the effort. It was her second win of 2026 in five starts and her 10 ^th overall. She now has more than $110,000 in earnings.

Later in the card, Rollin Rosie took top honors in the $22,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace. Guided by Trace Tetrick, the six-year-old JK Endofanera mare set the pace in the mile and was passed up by Yankee B Something and Jordan Ross at the head of the lane before coming back and getting the win by a neck over Wild Rosa and Travis Seekman, who also closed late in the race. Can’ttouchthese and John DeLong finished third in the three-way photo in 1:51.0.

Rollin Rosie paid $6.20 for the win. She is owned by SCP Stable of Georgia, Tyler George, and Greg Samples. Defending Trainer Champion Tyler George trains the filly, who scored the win in the Indiana Sires Stakes Final last fall among older pacing mares. Mahlon Lambright bred the mare, who earned her first win of 2026 and her 29 ^th overall. To date, she has more than $737,000 in earnings with a career best time of 1:49.2 taken as a four-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Winning Vibes spreads cheer in Friday win

Sat, 23 May 2026 03:34:25 GMT

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Photo by Dean Gillette

It was a rain soaked night at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Friday, May 22 but the tote board was lit up early in the card with a pair of longshots, including Winning Vibes and Trace Tetrick. The pair trotted home in :27.4 to score the win in the $13,000 conditioned claiming event for the win in 1:56.4.

Winning Vibes began from post seven at odds of 28-1 and Tetrick moved the trotter out to the lead. Several others to his inside also showed interest in the front, but Winning Vibes didn’t back down, securing the top spot heading into the first turn. Bourbon Courage and Marcus Miller were close behind and decided to move onto the lead after the first quarter in :28.2. From there, Winning Vibes was chill in the two hole as Bourbon Courage passed by the half in :58.3. Fifty To Win and Jordan Ross moved up on the outside in first over fashion, covering Winning Vibes up along the rail.

As the field turned for home, there was just enough room between horses for Winning Vibes to sneak out. Bourbon Courage was not giving in and fended off both Winning Vibes and Fifty to Win. As the finish line neared, Winning Vibes was able to hit another gear and get by Bourbon Courage for the win by a neck. Fifty to Win finished a length back in third.

Winning Vibes paid $58.00 for the win. The four-year-old Don’t Let’Em is owned by Rob ert Reeser, Lefebvre Racing, and Hen-Shaut Stable. Reeser trains the gelding, who was bred by Aron Bontrager.

Winning Vibes now has two wins this year in 10 starts for the Reeser barn. Overall, he has six wins and more than $68,000 in earnings. His career best time of 1:55.3 was taken last year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Winning Vibes was a $17,500 purchase from the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale by the Reesers. He is out of the tough race mare Classic Filly, who was a six figure winner during her career. The second dam includes several top racehorses on the Grand Circuit, including Yentls Iceman (1:54.3, $443,000) and Amesbury (1:56.0, ($366,000).

Later in the card on Friday was the featured $22,000 Open Pace, including some top notch pacers in the Midwest. Coach Stefanos and Marcus Miller closed with a perfectly timed final quarter to win by a neck over Crooked Smile and Jordan Ross in 1:51.0. Im Skinnydipin N and Trace Tetrick finished third.

Coach Stefanos is owned by Ken Duffy, D & M Trading II, and John Stefanos. Erv Miller trains the product of Victory Hill Farm. The Tellitlikeitis six-year-old has 21 career wins and more than $1.3 million on his card. His career best time of 1:47.2 was taken last year at The Meadowlands.

Compatible a perfect match for Thursday win

Fri, 22 May 2026 03:55:10 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Compatible was a perfect match for the conditioned trotters in the $10,000 event Thursday, May 21 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Guided by trainer Ross Leonard, Compatible fended off challengers from both sides to reach the wire first in 1:59.4.

Compatible began from post six in the seven horse lineup. Leonard pointed him to the lead, but Helpfund and Brandon Bates were the first to reach the top spot. Compatible stayed on task and took over after the quarter in :30.3. However, his time on the front end was short lived as Helpfund was back out and took over the top spot. This also spurred Bryce Canyon and Dan Shetler to move out and become the third leader of the race by the half in 1:02.1. Compatible stayed up with the top two around the final turn and was ready to pounce when the stretch arrived.

Helpfund and Bryce Canyon were not giving in and Compatible stayed tucked in behind Helpfund until midway down the stretch. Once he tipped out, he hit another gear and trotted by his inside opponents while Lil Checkmate and Mike Peterson were closing quickly on the outside. In the end, Compatible was a winner by three-quarters of a length, a final quarter in :27.2. Lil Checkmate was a full length ahead of Helpfund for second.

Compatible paid $6.60 for the win. The three-year-old son of Dover Dan is owned by Redracer LLC, Redline Racing Stables, Rachel Leonard, and Greg Samples. Richard Fry bred and raised the gelding, who was a $16,000 purchase from the Northern Indiana Yearling Speed Sale. It was his first win of the season in his third start. He now has three wins with his career best time of 1:58.1 taken last fall at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Dan Shetler and Swan’s Masterpiece scored a win in the very next race in a similar event for trotters. The sophomore son of Swan for All moved to the lead early and then was overtaken by several horses led by Great Commission and Trace Tetrick. Swan’s Masterpiece was back out and moving up first over in the second half and was in full mode when the stretch arrived.

In the stretch, Swan’s Masterpiece went to work, trotting home in :28.1 for the win by two lengths in 1:56.0. TJ’s Dream and Atlee Bender maintained ground for second followed by Brookview Gold and Mike Micallef for third.

Swan’s Masterpiece is owned by Dan Shetler, Stephen Stoll, David Yoder, and Leon DeVisser. Victory Hill Farm bred the gelding, who is trained by Shetler. It was his second win in three starts for 2026 and his fourth overall in 12 outings. His career best time was recorded in the mile, besting his previous win this season by two fifths of a second.

Pilot's Lucky Day shows skill in Wednesday win

Thu, 21 May 2026 04:05:02 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Pilot’s Lucky Day and Brad Ferguson were on auto pilot in their win Wednesday, May 20 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The duo rallied home for the comfortable win in the $10,000 conditioned trot in a time of 1:57.1, a new lifetime mark.

Pilot’s Lucky Day began the whole experience with luck on his side, drawing post two in the race. Ferguson guided him out of the gate with just enough speed to luckily land in the two hole behind Meadowbrook Mason and Brandon Bates. Mile marker times of :27.1 and :58.0 were established before the back of the pack began to scoop in around the final turn.

Pilot’s Lucky Day had luck that he was able to sit in his position until midway through the final turn. This movement prompted Pilot’s Lucky Day to the outside. By the time the field was in the stretch, Pilot’s Lucky Day had taken over and had the field spotted by several lengths. This is where the skill kicked in. The Indiana trotter rallied home in :28.2 for the win by three and one-quarter lengths. Blessed With Help and Kevin Lambright finished second over Castro and Atlee Bender for third.

Pilot’s Lucky Day brought a little luck to his backers, paying $32.40 for the win. The sophomore son of Pilot Discretion is owned by Jason and Laura Miller. Jason, one of the newest members of the Indiana Standardbred Association board, trains the gelding, who was making his fourth start of 2026. It was his first win and his quickest to date. He now has three wins. The gelding was bred by Willie Schwartz.

In the race prior to Pilot’s Lucky Day, Ilikeitlikethat and Jordan Ross rallied near gate to wire for the win in the conditioned claiming pace. Ilikeitlikethat pulled away from his opponents and won by three and three-quarter lengths in 1:53.1, a final quarter in :27.1. Beyond Dazzling and Brandon Bates finished second with I[ll Decide and John DeLong rounding out the trifecta.

Ilikeitlikethat paid $10.20 for the win. The three-year-old son of Capt Midnight is owned by Indiana Stables, Frank Baldachino, Beasty LLC, and James Zito. Henry Graber handles the conditioning duties for the gelding, who also earned his first win of his career after only one start last year at two.

Gandalf continues winning ways in Minnesota

Wed, 20 May 2026 03:11:21 GMT

Gandalf and Nick Roland lit up the tote board Tuesday, May 19 in the $7,200 conditioned pace at Running Aces. The duo rallied home for the win in 1:55.2 as one of three Indiana sired winners on the card.

When the gate opened, Gandalf was ready to roll and moved out with speed from the center of the track. An extra surge to the lead heading into the turn put him easily on the lead before race favorite Spiritofanoutlaw and Brady Jenson moved around to secure the top spot just before the quarter in :28.1. From there, Spiritofanoutlaw was able to back off the pace to the half in :57.3. Roland had a huge hold on Gandalf, who was waiting patiently in the two hole.

Horses began to form a second line of attack on the outside of Spiritofanoutlaw and Gandalf, who picked up the pace in the final turn. Spiritofanoutlaw made a bad break, scattering the horses behind him with Gandalf experiencing a little interference before getting around the breaking horse.

At the head of the lane, Gandalf was the leader with The Minnesota Kid and Gerald Longo and Handsome Harvey and Luke Plano bearing down on him from the outside. In the end, Gandalf was a decisive winner by one length over The Minnesota Kid. Handsome Harvey was a nose back in third.

Gandalf was totally overlooked at the windows, paying $27.80 for the win. The five-year-old Always a Virgin gelding is a homebred for the Roland family of Iowa. Set the Pace Racing owns the gelding with Duane and Connie Roland serving as breeders. Nick Roland also trains. It was the fourth win in six starts for Gandalf this season. Overall, he has 17 wins and more than $64,000 in earnings. His career best time of 1:52.4 was taken last year at four at Running Aces.

Earlier in the card, Lemmiwinks and Josiah Miller moved in first over fashion in the second half of the race before grinding their way to the wire for the win in 1:55.1. Mondaymorningmerle and Luke Plano finished a half length back in second over Bing Bang Boom and Gerald Longo for third.

Lemmiwinks paid $6.60 for the win. The three-year-old son of JK Endofanera is owned by Josiah Miller and Mel Mullet of Arkansas. Josiah Miller trains the gelding bred and raised by Black and White Stable and Sara Haynes of Indiana. It was win number three of 2026 for Lemmiwinks, who raced last year at two without any trips to the winner’s circle. His career best time of 1:54.0 was taken earlier this spring at Miami Valley.

Seeitsayit does it at Oak Grove

Tue, 19 May 2026 05:02:43 GMT

Seeitsayit and Joey Putnam rolled right past their opponents Monday, May 18 to win the $16,000 conditioned pace at Oak Grove Racing & Gaming. The Indiana gelding picked up the win in 1:53.0.

Seeitsayit began from post four and had no interest in the early tempo with lots of horses heading out to the lead. Who’zzz This Sky and Andy Shetler held their ground inside before Tapped Teen and Geremy Bobbitt moved around to take the lead. Coalford Hitman GB was also wide in the first turn before settling in third behind Who’zzz This Sky. The first quarter was established in :27.0 and heading by the grandstand the first time, Seeitsayit was already on the move to the outside, flushing cover from fellow Indiana sired contender Miss Fancy Nancy and Atlee Bender before the half in :56.0.

The outer flow continued to move up to Tapped Teen adding pressure from the outside. In the final turn, Seeitsayit flipped three wide and as Track Announcer Peter Kleinhans said, he exploded by the field. In the lane, Seeitsayit was well on his way for the win, moving out to a four and three-quarter lead while experiencing mild broken equipment. Tapped Teen finished second over Coalford Hitman GB and Dein Spriggs.

Seeitsayit paid $9.36 for the win. The four-year-old son of Tellitlikeitis is owned and trained by Joe Putnam, who bred and raised the gelding. It was his first win of 2026 in his second start on the year. Overall, he has five wins, including a sub 1:50 mile last season at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in 1:49.3. Seeitsayit now has more than $80,000 on his card for the Putnam barn. His dam, Tiene’s Leche, was a legitimate race mare, taking a mark of 1:52.1 and earning nearly $200,000 before retiring. Seeitsayit is her third foal out of four of racing age, all of which have made it to the races. The family also includes Tellitlikesonny, who has a mark of 1:54 and six figures and is still racing. The family also has a weanling this year, a filly by Rockin Image named Image of Tiene.

A few races earlier another son of Tellitlikeitis was victorious for Brandon Bates in the $11,000 conditioned pace. The nine-year-old veteran took over after the quarter in :27.0 and pulled away from the field, winning by four and one-quarter lengths in 1:54.0. Captain Crujido and Marcus Miller finished second over Indiana sired Odds on Anubis and Andy Shetler for third.

Alwaystellthetruth paid $4.16 for the win. He is owned by Jeff Fought Racing and Brian Carsey. Walter Haynes Jr. trains the product of Victory Hill Farm, who has 24 career wins in 166 starts. He, too, is a sub 1:50 performer with a mark of 1:49.4 taken as a four-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. He is closing in on $400,000 in career earnings.

Thosesummernights a daytime winner at Shenandoah

Mon, 18 May 2026 03:26:56 GMT

Thosesummernights was a daytime winner Sunday, May 17 at Shenandoah Downs. The Indiana mare was on a mission, scoring a gate to wire effort as a mild longshot for trainer-driver Leslie Joyce.

Thosesummernights put her inside post to good use when the gate folded, moving out to the lead. She was challenged early by Shore of Himself and Mark Sheridan, who had to settle for setting in second behind the Indiana mare. Singforyoursupper and Tim Deaton also backed off after the first turn and settled in third.

Thosesummernights passed by the quarter in :27.0 and increased her lead in the second turn before getting a breather to the half in :56.0. D’applesrsweet and Anthony Morgan were on the move from the back of the pack at the half and began to inch up. Thosesummernights defended her spot on top of the field. Joyce began to encourage the mare around the final turn.

In the stretch, Thosesummernights began to drift to the center of the track, which opened up several options for the remainder of the field. However, Thosesummernights fought hard to the wire for the win by three-quarters of a length in 1:56.1. Singforyoursupper was second over Zelenskyy and Joe Chindano Sr., who moved in for third.

Thosesummernights paid $16.40 for the win. The four-year-old daughter of JK Endofanera was bred by William Jones and Fredericka Caldwell of Kentucky. Jacob Roedl of Illinois now owns the mare, as they acquired her earlier in May. The mare is now four for eight this season and has nine career wins. Her win Sunday was a new lifetime mark as she also increased her bankroll to more than $67,000 with the win.

A dual bred, Thosesummernights began her career in Kentucky on the fair circuit for trainer Rodney DeBeck. She eventually made her way to Ohio last fall before relocating to Virginia earlier this spring. This was the first start for her new connections. She is a half sister to the tough racehorse Lovethewayyoulie, who has a mark of 1:52.3 and has earned more than $150,000 and is still racing.

Earlier in the day, Go Now and William Carter were gate to wire winners in the conditioned pace. The five-year-old Always a Virgin mare moved out at the half and endured a parked second half before grinding her way to the wire for the win by a neck over Katana and Eric Davis, who cut the mile that was recorded in 1:53.3. Baltimore Jack N and Corey Braden finished third.

Go Now paid $3.80 as the favorite of the field. She is owned by PT Stable of New Jersey and was bred by Walter Fister of Kentucky. Bryson Dunning trains the mare, who earned her second win of 2026 and her 19 ^th overall. Another dual bred mare, Go Now began at The Red Mile before venturing East. Her career best time of 1:51.0 was taken at The Red Mile before venturing to the East. She is closing in on $200,000 in career earnings.

Klorox Queen cleans house in Go On BB Final

Sun, 17 May 2026 04:18:56 GMT

Klorox Queen cleans house in Go on BB Final

Klorox Queen and Trace Tetrick made a clean sweep of things Saturday, May 16 in the $25,000 Go On BB Final at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The sophomore filly kept the title in the barn of Ron Burke, who campaigned the honoree Go On BB to more than a million dollars during her career in Indiana in the single digits of the 2000s.

Klorox Queen and It’s My Story, driven by Travis Seekman, came into the final with preliminary wins. Neither filly had an ideal starting spot as It’s My Story began from post seven and Klorox Queen was on the outside of her in post eight. Both fillies left the gate in search of the lead, with It’s My Story crossing over before the quarter in :26.4 and Klorox Queen crossing over after the quarter. The field went unchanged to the half in :55.2 before Ponda Lime and Jordan Ross moved to the outside from the back of the pack and began to advance.

Around the final turn, Beautiful Mistake and Brandon Bates were flushed out of the three hole to move up. The earplugs were out on Klorox Queen, and she responded, moving out to a four-length advantage at the wire in 1:52.4, a final quarter in :28.4. It’s My Story finished second over Gina Romantica and Atlee Bender for third.

Klorox Queen was the favorite of the field, paying $5.60 for the win. The Tellitlikeitis daughter is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Knox Services and Weaver Bruscemi. She is a home bred, raised by her owners.

It was the fifth win of the night for Tetrick, who once again leads the driver standings. For Klorox Queen, it was her fourth win in eight starts. In fact, she has not been off the board yet in 2026. Overall, she is six for 14 with more than $50,000 on her card. The win in the Go On BB Final Saturday also marked a new career best for the filly.

In the very next race, the colts and geldings took over the spotlight with Bam Bam and Atlee Bender keeping up the trend of favorites picking up titles, this time in the $25,000 Hal Dale Series Final. The Tellitlikeitis son sat in third until getting flushed out around the final turn. Once he was clear, Bam Bam went to work, knocking down opponents until he reached the wire for the win by three lengths in 1:52.1. Check Your Pockets and LeWayne Miller finished second over Brookview Glider and Jordan Ross finished third.

Bam Bam paid $2.20 for the win. He is owned by Anthony Lombardi, Engel Stable of IL and Tony Willinger. Erv Miller trains the gelding, who was bred and raised by Dan Shetler.

Bam Bam is now five for six after going unraced as a two-year-old. His career best time was taken in the Hal Dale Final in 1:52.1.

Starlit Dan Dover shines in Expresson Final

Sat, 16 May 2026 04:19:24 GMT

Starlit Dan Dover shines in Expresson Final

Starlit Dan Dover and Kyle Wilfong grabbed the spotlight in the $25,000 Expresson Final Friday, May 15 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. After finishing second in a preliminary round, the Indiana trotter made his second start of the season count in a big way for a big longshot victory.

Starlit Dan Dover was one of two entered in the final for the LeWayne Miller barn. Miller opted to drive Nighthawk Zette, calling on Kyle Wilfong to take over the duties behind Starlit Dan Dover, an assignment he had previously handled with the gelding with two wins in two drives. Wilfong and Starlit Dan Dover began from post two and got away fourth as Kousin Karl and Trace Tetrick rallied out to an early lead to show the way through the quarter in :28.2. Sunday Swagger and Marcus Miller were then out and rolling at the half in :57.0, taking over around the final turn, August Salazar and John DeLong, then got into the mix and pulled to the outside to challenge for the top spot, which prompted Starlit Dan Dover to the outside as well.

In the stretch, Starlit Dan Dover was on the move, trotting home in :28.2 to score the win by a neck at the wire over August Salazar. Tuggin Thomas and Jordan Ross closed from the back for third.

Starlit Dan Dover paid $48.20 for the win. The sophomore son of Dover Dan is owned by Richard Freese, L & N Racing, Matthew Lamont, and Dynamic Stables. John Wagler bred the trotter, who sold from the RND Standardbred consignment at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale. Nathan Yoder, part of L & N Racing, signed the ticket for him for $30,000.

Starlit Dan Dover is the first foal from the mare Jeans and Heels. Although she didn’t race, she comes from a family that did. Her half brother is Jacks to Open, a winner in 1:53.4 with more than a half million on his card. She is also a brother to Joey, a winnin in 1:52.1 with more than $378,000 in earnings.

Later in the card, it was the filly trotter’s time in the spotlight as Fresh Face Yankee and Jay Cross led gate to wire for the win by two lengths in 1:54.4. The Cresent Fashion filly, owned by Tim Smith, was a standout last season on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit for Smith, who owned, trained, and drove her. He has now put her in the hands of Cross as the trainer this season. Fresh Face Yankee is now three for three this season and is 12 for 18 overall. She now has more than $65,000 on her card and her win Friday established a new lifetime mark. Make It Spicy and Kyle Wilfong finished second in the race over Expressive Gal and Atlee Bender.

Ponda Swan wins first race of 2026

Fri, 15 May 2026 05:07:46 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Ponda Swan and Marcus Miller turned in a strong final quarter for their first win of 2026 in $10,000 conditioned claiming event Thursday, May 14 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The Indiana gelding rallied home in :27.3 to score the win at the wire in 1:56.2.

Ponda Swan began from post seven and came out of the gate seeking a spot near the front end. However, a slew of horses to his inside had the same idea so he was able to back off the early pace setters and got away in fifth as Dejoma and Trace Tetrick were the first leaders at the quarter in :27.3, quickly taken over by race favorite Surf Scoter and Kiwon Waldron.

Heading to the half, Ponda Swan was flushed out and he began to go to work past the half in :57.1. He inched up along the outside of Surf Scoter and was head and head with him at the top of the lane. Ponda Swan swung one more lane out and trotted home to get the win by a neck over Dejoma on the inside. Swan man and Atlee Bender rallied up late for third.

Ponda Swan paid $13.20 for the win. He is owned by William Hartt of Maine and trained by Ryan Bellamy. Fashion Hill Farm and Pond-A-Acres teamed up as the breeder on the trotter. He was initially purchased out of the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale for $23,000 as the second foal of Chelseas Chance, a winner in 1:55.3 with more than $300,000 on his card. He was unraced at two and won six races last year. He was acquired by his current connections last August.

It was the second win of the night for trainer Ryan Bellamy. He also kicked off the night in the $10,000 - $15,000 claimer with a win from Renegade Gypsy, driven by John DeLong. Bluebird Deacon and Trace Tetrick finished second over Latin Lover and Kyle Wilfong.

Indiana Pacer of the Year Whoomp is back

Thu, 14 May 2026 02:51:26 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Whoomp, the freshman phenom from the Roger Welch barn, is back. Named Indiana’s Pacer of the Year last season as a two-year-old, the three-year-old daughter of Rockin Image made her second qualifying appearance Wednesday, May 13 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, picking up her first win.

Guided by John DeLong, Whoomp wasted no time out of the gate, heading straight to the lead. The pint-sized Incredible Luck driven by DeShawn Horton slipped in the two hole followed by Talk Softly and Marcus Miller. Whoomp led by open lengths through the quarter in :28.4 and half in :58.0. Talk Softly stayed as close as she could around the final turn before Whoomp took off, moving out to an eight and one-quarter length advantage at the wire in 1:52.3. She paced her final quarter in :26.2. Talk Softly moved up into second over Incredible Luck.

Whoomp is a homebred from the DeLong family breeding operation. She is owned by William DeLong, Wm. Patrick Delong, and Jesse Delong. William and Wm. Patrick bred her from the family’s mare Nightcap, a daughter of Sweet Lou who only made a couple of starts. However, she has turned out to be a great brood mare for the DeLongs. With three foals of racing age, she has three winners, including former Indiana Sires Stakes winner Teelatini with a mark of 1:49.4 and more than a half million on her card, and still racing. The other foal is Saba Rock, also still racing with a mark of 1:49.1 and more than $100,000 In earnings. The family has a two-year-old colt this year by Tellitlikeitis named Soggy Man and a yearling filly, also by Tellitlikeitis named Teelateton.

The DeLong family also had another winner on the day as Rock the Charm scored a win in her qualifier for Driver John DeLong. Trained by Tabatha DeLong, Rock the Charm moved to the lead around the final turn and pulled away by nearly five lengths in 1:52.3, a final quarter paced in :26.3. Brooklets Rockette and Kevin Lambright finished second over Fox Valley Tessa and Marcus Miller.

Rock the Charm is owned by Jesse, John, and William DeLong. Also a homebred, Jesse bred and raised the Rockin Image filly, who is out of their standout race mare Seventimesacharm, a winner in 1:51.0 with more than a quarter million in earnings. Rock the Charm is her first foal and took a mark last year of 1:51.2 and made more than $155,000. She has a two-year-old sister named Showmesevens by Best in Show and a yearling filly by Loubet named Charmielouwho. It was the second qualifier of the year for Rock the Charm, who has won both of them.

Prestigious Prince rules at Harrington

Wed, 13 May 2026 05:06:54 GMT

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Prestigious Prince and Brandon Givens used a royal finish to score the win Tuesday, May 12 in the $6,000 conditioned pace at Harrington Raceway. The Indiana pacer rallied past his rivals for the win in 1:54.2.

Prestigious Prince began from post one and floated out with the others seeking the lead. Fellow Indiana sired Ultimaroca and Anthony Morgan grabbed the top spot followed by The Rocketeer and Montrell Teague. Prestigious Prince got away in third through the quarter in :27.4. The top three pulled away from the remainder of the field as the tempo remained swift to the half in :55.2. Then, the top two pulled away from Prestigious Prince heading around the third turn before Prestigious Prince began to close the gap.

Heading down the backstretch for the second time, Prestigious Prince tipped off the back of The Rocketeer and had Ultimaroca in his sights. He was gaining ground slowly with every stride around the final turn and got a short advantage before reaching the top of the stretch. Once he was straightened out, he rallied out to a four and one-quarter length advantage to win in 1:54.2. Won Last Call and George Dennis closed on the inside for second over Ultimaroca.

Prestigious Prince paid $4.60 for the win. It was the second win of the program for Givens, who drove for trainer William Bright. The five-year-old son of Always a Virgin is owned by Bright and Dawn Webb. Doyle Miller, Eric Miller, and Kevin Miller bred the gelding, who earned his second win of 2026 and his sixth overall. To date, he has more than $139,000 in earnings with his career best time of 1:53.1 taken as a two-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park when he was under the direction of Susan Miller. The one-time Indiana Sires Stakes contender left Indiana at the conclusion of his three-year-old season and headed to Delaware.

Also a winner on the card at Harrington was Indiana sired Premier on Stage, driven by Troy Beyer. The seven-year-old son of Odds on Equuleus went straight to the lead, winning comfortably by one and one-half lengths in 1:55.4. Racketeering and Brandon Givens finished second over Rock Lights and Shane Griffith.

Premier on Stage paid $6.20 for the win. The gelding was bred by Dennis Bontrager and is now owned by Steven Marsh Jr. Peter Marsh trains the older pacer, who earned his first win of 2026. Overall, he has 13 wins from 109 starts. His career best time of 1:51.2 was taken as a three-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. He began his career under the direction of Trainer Tabatha DeLong.

Tookadiveoffdipper still going strong at 12

Tue, 12 May 2026 03:40:19 GMT

Tookadiveoffdipper and Atlee Bender launched a big final half in the $13,000 conditioned pace Monday, May 11 at Oak Grove. The Indiana duo defeated another Indiana duo for the win in 1:53.0.

Tookadiveoffdipper began from post five, just on the outside of Ponda Eagle and Marcus Miller. Both Indiana sired horses showed the best early speed and moved out as the first two names heard. Mankat and Geremy Bobbitt held their ground inside and took the top spot with Ponda Eagle on the outside. Tookadiveoffdipper slipped into the three hole around the first turn. Heading past the quarter, Ponda Eagle took over and was on the lead after the quarter in :27.2. The pace of the race stayed pretty even to the half in :55.4 before outside action was detected.

Rockin Ella Mae and Zyler Maxwell led the outer flow which prompted Tookadiveoffdipper to the outside heading into the final turn. The old timer powered up and was matching his younger Indiana opponent stride for stride at the head of the lane. With his earplugs out, Tookadiveoffdipper was able to grind his way home to win by a half length over Ponda Eagle. Mankat rounded out the top three.

Tookadiveoffdipper paid $4.24 for the win. The now 12-year-old gelding is owned by Jane Cross and has been under her ownership in some form or fashion since his three-year-old season. The Always a Virgin gelding now has 59 wins and more than $746,000 in earnings. He has 265 starts from nearly every state that races east of the Mississippi. His best time of 1:49.2 was taken as a four-year-old at Dayton Raceway. Jim Eaton trains Tookadiveoffdipper, who has three wins in 2026.

Eaton had an earlier winner also at Oak Grove Monday, another Indiana sired product. Rockin Pulse, driven by Wyatt Avenatti, was parked the entire mile near the back and still came charging home, winning by a neck over Wide Thinking at Joey Putnam. The seven-year-old Rockin Image gelding paced home in :27.1 for the win in 1:56.2. Seriously Feared and Brandon Bates finished third.

Rockin Pulse paid $4.58 for the win. He is owned by Mary Van Boven of Michigan. It was his first win of 2026 and his 17 ^th overall. Rockin Pulse is a product of Rockstar Meadows of Spencerville, Ind. Van Boven has been part of his ownership his entire career.

ISA Memberships now available online

Mon, 11 May 2026 02:18:53 GMT

Photo by John Adamsky

The Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA) has taken their membership options to a new level. The organization recently launched a new online feature, making it convenient and easy for members to obtain and renew memberships to the ISA.

Previously, ISA memberships were only available by mailing in the application to the ISA Office. Now, members can simply scan the QR Code provided on various flyers distributed around Harrah’s Hoosier Park. They will also be available on the upcoming Indiana Sired Fair Circuit.

It’s important to note, the membership comes with Sulky Insurance. However, horses owned by multiple people require membership for each individual owner to cover any damage incurred on a race bike or jog cart.

Other benefits for being an ISA member include the annual Indiana Standardbred Director and ISA Magazine, which has five issues per year, ISA Dental and Optical programs, representation with the Indiana Horse Racing Commission and the Indiana Statehouse during the legislature session, eligibility to the ISA Elite Series, voting privileges for by-law changes and election of ISA Directors, and on-site track representation at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. ISA Members are also treated to numerous outings annually, including a day at an Indianapolis Indians game, golf outing, which is coming up in June, and special feeds offered at both Harrah’s Hoosier Park and on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit. The ISA recently offered ISA Night at the Races with members enjoying food, drawings, and of course great racing.

ISA Annual Membership is $50 per individual. There is a small fee added in for using the online application process. The new option online allows members to sign up quickly and efficiently in the paddock, on the ISFC, or 24-7 from the convenience of their home or work.

For more information on the new online ISA membership option, contact the ISA Office at (317) 462-6616 or contact the ISA Horsemen’s Representatives Rick and Casandra Uppal, available in the paddock during racing nights at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Aces and Cinches clinches Saturday win

Sun, 10 May 2026 03:13:57 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Aces and Cinches and Daryl Bontrager rallied home like a boss Saturday, May 9 in the $10,000 conditioned pace at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Once they were clear, they coasted under the wire for the mild upset win in 1:52.2.

Aces and Cinches began from post one and used some early speed, but could not match the quick foot of Mellow Fellow, who went straight out to the lead. In another few strides, here came Underwriter and Kyle Wilfong with a big move from the outside to take over before the quarter in :27.3. They were able to back the pace down to the half in :56.4 and Aces and Cinches stayed in as long as he could before being flushed to the outside first over heading into the final turn.

That was the cue Aces and Cinches needed. He powered up and around Underwriter and was on top of the field by four when the field swung into the stretch. Aces and Cinches was on cruise control as he distanced himself from his opponents. Albany Blue Chip and Trace Tetrick closed with a big rush down the lane and appeared to have second before Mellow Fellow and Jared Finn came back between horses on the inside and picked up second by a nose over Albany Blue Chip. Aces and Cinches was a winner by two and one-half lengths in the 1:52.2 mile.

Aces and Cinches paid $12.00 for the win. The sophomore son of Odds on Equuleus is owned by Ira Steinberg and Bontrager. Alpine Stables bred and raised the colt, who is out of the mare Gypsy Bellevue. The breeding might look familiar as Aces and Cinches is a half brother to the great Sabonis, a winner in 1:47.3 with more than $800,000 on his card. The family has a yearling filly this year by Best in Show cleverly named Caitlin Clerk.

Aces and Cinches sold at the Midwest Classic Mixed Sale in Shipshewana as a yearling under the name Atta Boy Blue. Steinberg and Bontrager purchased him for $33,000. He was one of eight sold from Odds on Equuleus that season at the yearling sales and he’s the same age as world champion Odds on Mr Mamba, who won his qualifier again earlier in the day at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in preparation for his return to racing in 2026.

Also a winner on the night was Kountry Carrots, a four-year-old daughter of Better Joy N. Guided by Atlee Bender, the Capt Midnight mare was out twice seeking the top spot before coming back again in the lane and grabbing the win by a nose over Babe’s Darla at the wire in 1:54.3. Boujeeful and John DeLong finished third.

Kountry Carrots paid $5.60 for the win. She is owned by the Erv Miller Stable and Levi Bontrager. Kountry Lane Standardbred bred and raised her. This was her first win of 2026 after winning six last year as a two-year-old. Like Aces and Cinches, Kountry Carrots is royally bred. She is the daughter of Bettor Joy N, a winner in 1:50.1 with more than a half million on her card. She is the first foal from the Bettor’s Delight mare, who has also produced Kountry Blue a winner last year at two in 1:53.1. The family has a two-year-old this season named Kountry Tillie by Captaintreacherous and a yearling this year by Rockroad Hanover, a colt named I’m In A Hurry.

Tellmeaboutit soars over milestone

Sat, 09 May 2026 04:54:58 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Tellmeaboutit sports newest millionaire

Tellmeaboutit, the veteran war horse for Alvin Miller and Twila Harts, was elevated into elite company Friday, May 8 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The 10-year-old Indiana gelding scored the win that placed him over the $1 million mark in earnings. LeWayne Miller was along for the ride.

Tellmeaboutit has always been versatile and can race in many different scenarios. This night, Miller sent him straight to the lead on the sloppy track through rainy conditions. He passed by the first quarter in :27.0 before Sanday A and Marcus Miller passed him up and led the field through the half in :56.1. Tellmeaboutit was flushed to the outside around the final turn and when he was at the top of the lane, he was following Naturally Gifted A and Atlee Bender into the stretch.

Tellmeaboutit put a strong final quarter in motion during the $18,000 Open 2-3 Pace, traveling home in :27.1 for the win by one and one-quarter lengths under wraps by Miller. Sanday A finished second a half length ahead of Naturally Gifted A.

Tellmeaboutit paid $15.20 for the win. The veteran son of Tellitlikeitis was bred by Lavon Miller and isn’t the first millionaire for the partnership of Twila Harts and Alvin Miller, who have had many Indiana champions over the years. They were also the connections behind the great Rocket Fuel, who also surpassed $1 million during his career under the direction of the Miller barn based out of the Converse Fairgrounds.

Tellmeaboutit earned his third win of 2026 and his 40 ^th overall. He has 155 career starts with a career best time of 1:47.4 taken as a six-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. In all, six of his nine years on the track, he has taken a sub 1:50 mark. Tellmeaboutit sold out of the In-Law Stables consignment at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale with Alvin Miller signing the ticket for $25,000. That class has now produced two millionaires as Little Rocket Man sold in the same sale and recently surpassed $3 million.

LeWayne Miller was back in the winner’s circle a few races later, this time with a horse from his barn. Princess in Pink, trained by Miller, started from the second tier but rallied up late in the lane to nab the win in 1:54.3, one length ahead of Peachy Girl and Kyle Wilfong. Evening Slippers and Trace Tetrick finished third in the $12,500 conditioned pace.

Princess in Pink paid $13.20 for the win. The four-year-old daughter of Capt Midnight is owned by LeWayne Miller, Lyndar Stables, and GS Racing. She is a homebred filly, bred and raised by LeWayne Miller and Lyndar Stables.

Brookview Gold grabs top prize

Fri, 08 May 2026 03:34:29 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Brookview Gold takes top prize

While three divisions of the Go On BB Series were featured Thursday, May 7 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, another up and coming Indiana horse was making his mark. Brookview Gold, who hails from bloodline royalty in the state, scored his second career win in the $11,500 conditioned trot in a new lifetime mark of 1:56.2.

Guided by trainer Mike Micallef, Brookview Gold began from post four and did not get into the early mix of speed. The high stepping trotter was backed off the tempo and got away in seventh in the 10-horse lineup as Great Commission and Trace Tetrick grabbed the spot up front and passed by the quarter in :27.4. It wasn’t long before Lethimgojoe and Brandon Bates were out and moved around to take the top spot. Trailling horses were gapping in places, putting Brookview Gold more than 12 lengths off the leader, something Micallef identified. Coming out of the first turn, Brookview Gold came to the outside and began the slow process of heading toward the leaders before the half in :57.2.

Around the final turn, Brookview Gold finally flushed out some cover as Great Commission moved to the outside around the final turn, leading the outer flow into the stretch. Once the field straightened out, Brookview Gold continued to wear down his opponents. With one horse left to pass, Brookview Gold hit another gear and got the best of Lethimgojoe just before the wire. One Mike Out and Clint Coy moved up between horses in the last stride to finish three-quarters of a length back in second over Lethimgojoe.

Brookview Gold was a surprise winner, paying $22.20 for the win. The three-year-old gelding, who went winless last year in five starts, is owned by Bet the House of Florida. Brookview Farms bred the Swan for All gelding, who is a full brother to Brookview Bolt, a winner of more than $700,000 with a mark of 1:52.0.

Out of the Jailhouse Justice dam Witty’s Winner, Brookview Gold is the latest winner from the mare, who is a 100 percent producer. In addition to Brookview Bolt, she has one other six figure winner, Brookview Darius, with a mark of 1:54.3 and more than $300,000 on his card. Every foal Witty’s Winner has had is a gelding and all five of racing age now have marks. The family has a two-year-old colt by Helpisontheway named Brookview Hotrod and the first filly, a yearling this year by Swan for All named Brookview Ideal.

The quickest winner of the three divisions of the Go On BB series was it’s My Story from the Ron Burke barn. The sophomore by Best in Show turned in a gate to wire performance to win by two and one-half lengths in 1:52.4 for driver Kyle Wilfong. Ponda Lime and John DeLong finished second over Ponda Type and Marcus Miller for third.

It’s My Story is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Frank Baldachino, and Michael Rosenthal. She is now three for five this season.

Other divisional winners included Lovin’ on the Side and Jordan Ross in a time of 1:54.2 and Klorox Queen and Trace Tetrick in a time of 1:53.3.

Coffee Stuffer perks up in first win of season

Thu, 07 May 2026 02:23:32 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Coffee Stuffer and Jay Cross turned in a strong performance Wednesday, May 6 to take home top honors and a new lifetime mark in the $8,050 conditioned claiming trot at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The duo rallied out to an open length win in 1:58.3 en route to getting their picture taken in the winner’s circle.

Coffee Stuffer began from post three and left the gate with some speed, joined by Don’t Tell Ur Mom and Joey Putnam on the inside and Don’t Mike and Kyle Wilfong from the outside. It appeared at first Coffee Stuffer would gain the lead, but Don’t Tell Ur Mom came back up and took over on the inside path, leaving the other two parked heading into the first turn. Don’t Mike backed off and found a hole in mid-pack. Coffee Stuffer was still on the outside at the quarter before slipping in behind Don’t Tell Ur Mom at the quarter in :28.0. Outside traffic began to form at the back of the pack at the half in :58.2 with Don’t Mike back out and moving forward.

Don’t Tell Ur Mom was able to scoot away around the final turn and put more lengths between her and the field. This move allowed Coffee Stuffer to slip out to the outside and prepare for the stretch drive.

Once they were in the stretch, Coffee Stuffer hit a new stride and went straight to the lead. Don’t Tell Ur Mom held her ground inside as horses were closing on the outside. There was interference that caused some placings in the final results, but Coffee Stuffer was a clear cut winner by two lengths. Don’t Tell Ur Mom was placed up to second over Skyway Mis America and Trace Tetrick, who moved up to third.

Coffee Stuffer was the second favorite in the field, paying $7.80 for the win. The three-year-old daughter of Pilot Discretion is owned by Daniel Lehman and Jay Cross, who also trains. Leonard Miller bred the filly, who earned her first win in her second start of 2026.

Coffee Stuffer competed on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit last year, picking up two wins along the way. She is now three for 10 with nearly $13,000 on her card. She was purchased as a yearling by Lehman out of the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale for $15,000 as part of the In Law Stables consignment. She is a full sister to Flirtnwiththepilot, who is an Indiana Sires Stakes winner of more than $300,000 and counting. He’s already made it to the winner’s circle this year for the Wrenn Stable.

The Wednesday card also include a pair of divisions for the Expresson Series as well as the Msnaughtybynature Series. Kousin Karl and Trace Tetrick took over after the quarter in the first division of the Expresson and scored the win in 1:56.3. Starlit Dan Dover and LeWayne Miller finished second to make it a Dover Dan double followed by Bravo Alpha and Doug Rideout for third.

Kousin Karl rebounded after finishing seventh in the first round of the Expresson last week. He has five wins in seven starts this year after going unraced at two for the Ron Burke Stable. The sophomore gelding is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Frank Baldachino, and Knox Services. He won the final of the $20,000 Cardinal Series earlier this meet.

Miss Fancy Nancy struts her stuff at Oak Grove

Wed, 06 May 2026 03:01:11 GMT

Miss Fancy Nancy and Atlee Bender turned their winning performance into a fiesta during Cinco de Mayo at Oak Grove. The duo won by open lengths in a time of 1:52.3 in the $14,000 conditioned optional claimer.

Two Indiana horses started side by side from post one, featuring Ponda Eagle, and post two with Miss Fancy Nancy. Bender had Miss Fancy Nancy ready to take off when the gate opened and was the first horse called by Track Announcer Peter Kleinhans. However, Ponda Eagle and Marcus Miller took a few extra steps to get going before powering out and taking over the lead heading into the first turn. Miss Fancy Nancy was taken back to third as the field passed by the quarter in :27.1. Miss Fancy Nancy was then out and on the move to take over in front of the grandstand the first time, sliding over with ease heading into the second turn. Once on the lead, Miss Fancy Nancy relaxed into her leadership role and had full control of the field.

In the final turn, horses began to reposition themselves for the stretch drive. However, Miss Fancy Nancy had a lot of pace, striding home in :28.1 for the win by one and three-quarter lengths under wraps. Lyons Spirit and Darrell Moore moved up late to finish second while Ponda Eagle, a son of Capt Midnight, finished third.

Miss Fancy Nancy was the favorite of the field, paying $3.02 for the win. The four-year-old daughter of JK Endofanera is owned by A Piece of the Action Stable and trained by Wayne Oke.

A Sires Stakes contender last year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, Miss Fancy Nancy picked up her first win of 2026 in the effort. She now has nine wins and nearly $300,000 in earnings. Her career best time of 1:50.2 was taken last summer at Harrah’s’ Hoosier Park. Duane Miller and Gene Borkholder bred and raised the mare, who is the last Indiana sired foal from the Somebeachsomewhere mare Singit Like Aretha. She has a half sister named Alwaysanun with a mark of 1:52.3 and earnings of more than $182,000.

ISA Board holds May meeting

Tue, 05 May 2026 03:08:09 GMT

Photo of Ray Allison, new executive director of the Indiana State Fair, addressing the ISA Board Monday, May 4 during their monthly meeting

ISA Board of Directors hold May meeting

The Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA)Board of Directors met for their monthly meeting Monday, May 4 at the ISA Offices in Greenfield. The meeting kicked off with a special guest speaker, Ray Allison, the new executive director of the Indiana State Fair, replacing longtime executive Cindy Hoye, who retired in March.

Allison, who assumed his new duties April 1, has been with the Indiana State Fair in several capacities since 1993, starting off as a college intern. He has worked alongside Hoye for nearly two decades and noted he is tuned in to the history of Standardbred racing at the fair.

ISA Director Doug Rideout, who oversees the county fair committee, asked Allison about the tent utilized last year during the Indiana State Fair for stabling during the races. Allison noted another 30 x 105-foot tent has been scheduled, which included 20 stalls. Rideout noted additional stalls were provided last year, but they did not have a cover and were not used because of that issue. Allison said they would be happy to talk about bringing in an additional tent for stabling during the races.

Allison also noted the construction on Gate 6 is wrapping up soon and there will be no construction on the east side of the campus, which will alleviate transportation issues in and out of the speed barn areas. It was also noted to Allison that one barn will continue to be utilized for Speed Barn tours during the fair. Allison noted the current above ground electrical wires and poles will soon be placed underground, which will provide better and more efficient electricity to that area and with the poles removed, will make everything more accessible. Allison said an additional construction project will soon be implemented to remove the current old restrooms near the barns and a new restroom building will be constructed to include showers and individual bathrooms. He also said several of the barns are getting windows replaced that needed repair.

Allison completed his talk by noting the State Fair grants, which are due soon, have been started. With the transition of new staff, they are getting caught up on several projects including the grants.

Mike McDaniel, longtime lobbyist for the ISA, addressed the board for his last meeting. The 75-year-old will be retiring at the end of May, saying he has been connected to racing since he was a kid. He mentioned several mentors along the way, including Keith Bulen, Larry Borst, and Mitch Daniels, and noted Jack Holton brought him on board with the ISA as a lobbyist in 2010. During his time with ISA, he represented racing in the statehouse on many issues and projects. He was also responsible for the creation of the Governor’s Cup Championships, with points accumulating toward the finals at the State Fair, a project he was most proud of. McDaniel said he always tells people that the ISA was his favorite client because everyone loves what they do and they work so hard. That is why the industry is now a $2 billion business in the state. McDaniel also commended the board for hiring executive director Tony Renz and said they have a great team assembled and he is confident they will continue to do great things in the state.

Adam Kallick, who is part of that team, updated the board on legislative issues and noted the primaries set for Tuesday, May 5, especially in the Senate, could see some changes. He noted it will be important for him and Matt Norris, the other lobbyist, to digest any changes and be adaptable and adjust as far as the leadership goes.

Robert Taylor gave an update on projects on the backside at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, noting the new tank project should be completed in the next day or so. They have been working on the water valve and water pressure. He also noted they are getting bids on asphalt for the barn area driveways.

ISA President John DeLong gave an update on a new Blood Gas machine through the Indiana Horse Racing Commission. He recommends one that has been in place at Rood & Riddle in Lexington for the past five years and will continue to work with IHRC on this project.

Yearling inspections for this fall’s Midwest Standardbred Horse Sale began Monday, May 4. Purdue Day at Kountry Lane Standardbreds is Thursday, May 7, and the Northern Indiana Yearling Speed Sale will begin accepting entries June 1 with the sale set for Monday, November 9 and Tuesday, November 10 at the Topeka Livestock Auction House.

ISA Treasurer Rhys Helt provided an update on the new electronic payment system for ISA memberships, and the program is ready to launch. The board voted to implement it in the next few days. The ISA Office has provided flyers with QR Codes for easy access to the new online payment system. There is a $1.80 fee for online payments.

ISA Director Doug Rideout noted there were 280 Elite nominations this year, up a few from the previous year. He also said Wickeys are locked in for seven fair dates this year to provide food on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit. Yard Signs for the ISFC are also in production and will be available soon.

ISA Director Carrie Hollman said they had a huge turnout for ISA Night at the Races with more than 140 in attendance. She also noted they received 11 memberships during the event, which brings the ISA up to 796 members. The next project for the promotions committee is Horse of the Month, featuring Little Rocket Man in May. The promotion is sponsored by Elite Nutrition. Tony Renz, Executive Director, also noted the upcoming Friday Night Owners Club this summer.

President DeLong noted Harrah’s Hoosier Park’s handle has been strong so far, and they recorded their highest handle on a non-event night last Friday with more than $1.2 million wagered. He also said Gabe Prewitt of HHP had updated him on Fox Sports and they will have three premier shows this year, including the Dan Patch, Caesars Trotting Classic, and Hoosier Champions Night featuring Indiana Sires Stakes Finals. He also said Fox will feature HHP along with The Meadowlands on a two-track show Saturday, May 16.

Renz gave an update on the Grattan Helmet promotion with ISA members still taking advantage of the initiative. So far, there have been 35-40 helmets ordered since the program was implemented last fall. The current program is scheduled to run through June, but the ISA is looking into extending it further to assist many more ISA members with highly discounted new helmets, which boosts safety measures for all participants on the track.

The next meeting for the ISA Board is set for Monday, June 8. The date was moved due to the ISA Golf Outing, which is slated for Monday, June 1.

Skyway Freakshow steals the show at Bangor

Mon, 04 May 2026 01:19:06 GMT

Skyway Freakshow and McGwire Sowers closed out the Sunday program May 3 with a win in the $4,800 conditioned pace at Bangor Raceway. The Indiana sired pacer trudged through the sloppy track for the open length win in 2:01.1.

Skyway Freakshow began from post six and rallied out quickly when the gate folded to be a top contender in the race. Dark Eclipse N and Kevin Switzer Jr. was the quickest of all from the far outside and crossed over for the lead before the first turn, leaving Skyway Freakshow parked around the first turn before settling in third.

Fractions of :28.2 and 1:00.1 were placed on the board before movement was detected at the back of the pack to the outside. The advancement by Sweet Scarlett and Andrew Harrington flushed out Bettor N Joy and Timothy Hudson, which eventually flushed Skyway Freakshow to the outside and into first over positioning. Around the final turn, Skyway Freakshow was in a big battle with Dark Eclipse N before taking over and moving out to the lead in solo fashion. She rallied home in :29.4 to score the win by two and three-quarter lengths over Dark Eclipse N. Bettor N Joy finished third.

Skyway Freakshow paid $14.60 for the win. The four-year-old daughter of Freaky Feet Pete is a family owned horse, owned by McGwire and Autym Sowers with Autym serving as the trainer. Samuel Schrock bred and raised the mare who earned her second win of 2026. Overall, she has seven wins and more than $45,000 on her card with her career best taken at two at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in 1:56.1. She had six starts under the direction of trainer Henry Graber Jr. before moving to upstate New York and later Maine. She was sold from the Slabach Brothers Standardbreds consignment as a yearling, purchased by Eleven Star Stables for $7,000 late in the sale. She was the latest foal from the multiple stakes winner Marnie Hall, who was a millionaire while racing in all the major stakes, taking a mark of 1:49.0. She has several six figure earners including DA Delightful, a winner in 1:48.3.

Earlier on the card, two Indiana sired pacers led the conditioned pacers to the wire for a one-two finish in 2:02.0. Holymotherofmoses and Kevin Switzer Jr. turned in a gate to wire effort for the win by two and one-half lengths over Kea Island and Andrew Harrington. Holymotherofmoses was the favorite, paying $2.40 for the win. She is the six-year-old daughter of Check Six owned and trained by Logan Lanpher. Alvin Fry and Lamar Miller bred the mare, who picked up her first win of 2026 and her 13 ^th overall. To date, she has more than $114,000 with a career best time of 1:54.2 taken last year at Vernon Downs. She began her career in Illinois and raced just a handful of times for Kevin Miller before shipping east.

On to Norway extends streak in seasonal debut

Sun, 03 May 2026 02:46:26 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

On to Norway kept the winning streak going in his first start of 2026 Saturday, May 2 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. It has now been over a year since he lost a race and his streak is up to 24 straight wins in the state of Indiana.

Guided by John DeLong, On to Norway was being tested against older open trotters for the first time in his career, and he was ready to go when the gate folded. He had his ears pinned and DeLong had his hands full when they left the gate, showing early speed right alongside the likes of Track Record Holder Ponda Jet and Peter Wrenn, who went on to take over the top spot. DeLong was finally able to get On to Norway in a hole in fourth as trotters passed by the quarter in :26.2. There was no change at the half in :57.0 with a slow second quarter. On to Norway could wait no longer. He was out and rolling toward the leaders in the final turn.

Once again, On to Norway had his ears pinned and he was all business heading down the lane. He got past Ponda Jet but then had to contend with Operator and Marcus Miller, who had sat in the two-hole the entire way. In the end, On to Norway was a length winner in 1:53.2, trotting home in :25.4. Operator was second, just a neck ahead of Ponda Jet giving Trainer Jay Hochstetler and second and third place finish in the evening’s featured Open Trot.

On to Norway paid $3.20 as the favorite of the field. The now four-year-old son of Muscle Massive is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Frank Baldachino, Michael Rosenthal, and Black and White Stable. Bennett Farms of Michigan bred the gelding, who is now 28 for 34 lifetime with more than $671,000 in career earnings for trainer Ron Burke. His quickest time of 1:51.2 was taken last year during his standout sophomore year that earned him Trotter of the Year honors in Indiana.

Also a winner on the night was another standout trotter and former year-end honoree Dover in Motion, driven by DeLong. The seven-year-old Dover Dan gelding got away fourth, following the lead provided by Toy’s for You and Luke Plano at the quarter in :28.0. Flirtnwiththepilot and Peter Wrenn took over after the quarter and led the field through the half in :57.4 before Dover in Motion was out and on the move.

In the lane, Dover in Motion had to fight hard for the lead, a fight that lasted all the way to the wire. In the end, Dover in Motion was a winner by a neck over Flirtnwiththepilot. Toy’s For You finished third.

Dover in Motion was the favorite of the field, paying $2.60 for the win. It was his second win of 2026 in his sixth start. Overall, he has 23 wins and more than $700,000 in earnings for trainer Ricky Macomber Jr. and owners M & M Racing and Macomber Racing. Lyle Slabach bred and raised the gelding, who has a career best time of 1:50.4 taken at five at Oak Grove.

Im a Real American wins Indiana debut

Sat, 02 May 2026 02:20:03 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Just as Always a Runner was winning the Kentucky Oaks, it was Always a Virgin sophomore Im a Real American in the winner’s circle at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The Indiana gelding scored a win in the first division of the $12,000 Hal Dale Series, which kicked off with two divisions Friday, May 1.

Im a Real American began from post four and went straight for the lead with John DeLong in the bike. Check Your Pockets and LeWayne Miller joined them from the inside and grabbed the pocket seat as Im a Real American rallied through the first quarter in :27.4. There was no action to the outside to the half in :57.1 and Im A Real American and Check Your Pockets began to put a few lengths between them and the rest of the field around the final turn.

In the stretch, Check Your Pockets was ready to move out and challenge, but Im a Real American had another gear left. He pinned his ears back and took off, finishing the mile with a :27.4 final quarter to win by a length over Check Your Pockets. Echo Canyon and Trace Tetrick finished third in the 1:52.4 mile.

Im a Real American was the heavy favorite, paying $2.40 for the win. He is owned by Evans Nation and Engblom Farm with Per Engblom handling the training duties. Im A Real American was bred by Dave Yoder and is out of the former Indiana Sires Stakes champ Ag-N-Au (pronounced Silver and Gold) Bluegrass. She made more than $300,000 during her racing career back when purses were not as hefty as modern day times.

For Im A Real American, he is now two for three this season. It was his first start of the year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park as he previously raced at Harrah’s Philadelphia to prep for his three-year-old Indiana debut. Last year at two, he started off in Indiana under Missy Essig before going to Lexington and Cumberland Run where he took advantage of his dual eligibility and raced in Kentucky Sires Stakes. He qualified twice at Pocono Downs before making his two starts at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

Im A Real American is from the final crop of Always a Virgin and was one of seven yearlings who sold at public auction. He was sold at the Standardbred Mixed Horse Sale in Harrisburg as a yearling under the name Tenex and was purchased by Nation and along with Missy Essig. Engblom bought into the gelding last August. His career best time is 1:51.0 taken earlier this year at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

In the other division of the Hal Dale, Bam Bam and Atlee Bender got away in third before moving after the quarter in :27.3 and taking over, rallying home for the win by one length in 1:53.3 with a final quarter in :26.1. Brookview Glider and Jordan Ross finished second over Timber Man and Marcus Miller for third.

Bam Bam was also the heavy favorite, paying $2.60 for the win. The Tellitlikeitis sophomore is owned by Anthony Lombardi, Engel Stable of IL, and Tony Willinger. Dan Shetler bred and raised the gelding, who is now three for four. He was unraced last year as a two-year-old and now has a mark of 1:52.4.

It's My Story scores byline in Go On BB Series

Fri, 01 May 2026 01:54:21 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

It’s My Story wrote her own ending in the first round of the $12,000 Go On BB Series Thursday, April 30. It’s only fitting that Trainer Ron Burke won two of the three divisions named in honor of his standout pacing mare Go On BB, who surged across the million dollar mark during her career nearly 20 years ago.

It’s My Story and Kyle Wilfong began from post four and left the gate with authority, seeking the top spot. Princess Laa and Dale Hiteman got the first call with horses three wide around the first turn with It’s My Story in between Princess Laa and Keeps Miss Dixie and Jordan Ross. Once It’s My Story cleared the lead, Keeps Miss Dixie cleared to be the third leader of the race before Cruisen Halle and LeWayne Miller were out and rolling to become the fourth leader at the half in :56.1. It’s My Story stayed tucked in along the rail around the final turn. In the stretch, she was on the move and took over, coasting home to a three-length lead in a time of 1:53.0. Willow Larue and Marcus Miller closed for second over Keeps Miss Dixie.

It’s My Story paid $10.80 for the win. The three-year-old daughter of Best in Show is now owned by Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi, Michael Rosenthal, and Frank Baldachino. She was bred and raised by Michael Weaver. It’s My Story raced under Trainer John Merkel last year as a two-year-old starting off on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit and then later making her mark on the pari-mutuel ranks. Merkel also trained her mother, A Lozkoz Bluegrass, during her racing career. It’s My Story is now two for three this season.

In the middle division of the Go On BB, Burke’s Klorox Queen and Trace Tetrick rallied home in a near gate to wire effort for the win by two and one-half lengths in 1:52.4. The Tellitlikeitis three-year-old paid $3.80 for her efforts as the race favorite. Beautiful Mistake and Brandon Bates finished second over Ponda Lime and Atlee Bender for third.

Klorox Queen is owned by Burke Racing, Knox Services, and Weaver Bruscemi. It was her second win of 2026 and her fourth overall. The mile also provided her with a new lifetime mark.

The first division of the Go On BB Series, Treacherous Woman and Kyle Wilfong were gate to wire winners in a time of 1:52.1. Gina Romantica and Marcus Miller finished two and one half lengths back in second over Rockin Charli and LeWayne Miller for third. Treacherous Woman had the fastest division of all fillies in the Go On BB series, paying $2.80 for the win as the race favorite. The Rockin Image filly was making her first start of 2026, coming off two wins in three starts as a two-year-old last fall for trainer Jay Hochstetler. Treacherous Woman is owned by Connie Hochstetler, Mary Buddig, Janet Schwartz, and South of the Tracks Rac Inc.

Bluebird Hill thrills in Expression Series

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:23:55 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Several new series got underway Wednesday, April 29 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park with some surprise winners in the first round. Bluebird Hill and Marcus Miller were one of those pairs, scoring a longshot win in the $12,000 Expression Series for Indiana sired trotters.

Bluebird Hill began from post five and got away in mid pack as Hawt Yoga and Kiwon Waldron took over the lead position before the quarter in :28.4. They continued to lead the way through the half in :59.4 with the field staying in single file behind him. In the final turn. Movement began to form on the outside that included Bluebird Hill.

In the stretch, Bluebird Hill took flight, traveling home in :27.4 to reach the front position by the wire in 1:58.3. Let’Em, also a longshot, moved up for second for Lamar Wingard while Yawt Yoga held on for third in the 1:58.3 mile.

Bluebird Hill paid $28.20 for the win. The sophomore son of You Know You Do is owned by Matthew Miller and John McGill. Miller signed the ticket for the trotter at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale for $26,000. He is a half brother to the standout mare Bluebird Dove, who established a world champion mark during Little Brown Jug Week in a division of the Buckette. She took a mark of 1:52.2 and completed her racing career as a multiple Indiana Sires Stakes winner with more than $226,000 in earnings. The family also includes six-figure winner Bodelicious.

Robert Wyman trains Bluebird Hill, who is now two for three this season after only scoring one win last year. He began on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit and later worked his way up into stakes action at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Overall, he has more than $22,000. His mile Wednesday was a new lifetime mark for the gelding, beating his previous mark set last year by one fifth of a second.

In the other division of the Expression Series, Marcus Miller guided that winner as well for trainer Jay Hochstetler. The Dover Dan sophomore moved from the three-hole into the final turn and rallied away from the field for the win by four and three-quarter lengths. Inverness Ave and Kevin Lambright finished second over Bravo Alpha and Doug Rideout for third.

Sunday Swagger paid $4.20 for the win. He is owned by Connie and Homer Hochstetler, Robert Buddig, and Allen Schwartz. He is a home bred for the Hochstetler barn and was a winner in his first start of 2026 after scoring two wins last year, including his career best time of 1:54.3. Sunday Swagger now has more than $60,000 on his card.

Friday Night Owners Club set for summer

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 03:23:45 GMT

Photo by John Adamsky

The Indiana Standardbred Association, Harrah’s Hoosier Park and the Indiana Standardbred Breed Development are partnering together for a special series for owners. The Friday Night Owners Club is set to span four months beginning in late June.

The Friday Night Owners Club begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 26 and runs until 7:30 p.m. in the Top of the Park room at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The event will coincide with Friday racing and will be a summer reception for owners, both new and returning, to enjoy a special night out at the races.

The Owners event will include appetizers and two complimentary beverages along with a racing program. Self serve betting terminals will be provided in the Top of the Park for the convenience of the participants.

The Friday Night Owners Club does not require an RSVP to attend. Those planning to attend should make their way to the Top of the Park for the featured nights.

In addition to the kickoff Friday, June 26, events for the Friday Night Owners Club will be held Friday, July 24, Friday, August 28, and will conclude with a Saturday special edition Saturday, September 26. Look for more information on the Friday Night Owners Club on social media or on the ISA’s website at indianaharness.com.

Just Rosas Luck uses skill in Monticello feature

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:46:36 GMT

Just Rosas Luck cashed in on a little skill and a little luck Monday, April 27 to win the featured $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace at Monticello Raceway. The Indiana mare took a chance on a big move in the final half that paid off in a big way for the win in 1:55.3.

Just Rosas Luck began from post six and floated over to the inside as several horses rallied out to get the early lead. Catie Faye Hanover and Ralph Silvestri III were the longest shots on the board and took over the lead with race favorite Jillian Jiggs and Jim Taggart Jr. on the outside past the quarter in :27.3. Catie Faye Hanover would not surrender the lead, leaving Jillian Jiggs on the outside at the half in :56.1. Horses from the back of the pack began to move and so did Just Rosas Luck, who sat right on the back of Jillian Jiggs.

At the three-quarter pole, Just Rosas Luck and driver Michael Merton made the decision to flip three wide heading into the final turn. Once they were in full stride, they went right on by their opponents and at the head of the lane, Just Rosas Luck was on top of the field by three. Her lead increased to the wire for the win by six and one-quarter lengths with a final quarter in :29.2. Wish I Had Thyme closed for second with Don’t Chip Me, another Indiana sired mare by Hypnotic Blue Chip, finding room on the outside to advance after traveling inside during the mile for Bruce Aldrich Jr.

Just Rosas Luck paid $9.48 for the win. The six-year-old Luck Be Withyou mare is owned by Go For Glory Stable and trained by Rob Harmon. Misty Ridge Stables bred the mare, who scored her third win of the year. Overall, she has 18 wins and more than $214,000 in earnings with a career best time of 1:51.4 taken as a five-year-old at Plainridge.

Just Rosas Luck began under the direction of trainer Melanie Wrenn at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. She has had several owners over her career and this is the second time that Go For Glory Stable has owned her in the past year. Her dam, Goddess’s Rosa, took a mark of 1:51.0 and made $189,000 before becoming a brood mare. Just Rosas Luck is the richest of her foals, but she has two others, Rosas Image, and Don’t Tell Rosa, who are also six figure winners.

In the very next race, it was two Vel horses fighting for the win at the wire in the photo with Vel Miss Taylor and Michael Merton getting the win in the conditioned pace. She took over after the quarter in :28.0 and maintained her position all the way to the wire to win by a length and a quarter. Obsessed with Lou and Bruce Aldrich Jr. closed in for second, just a neck ahead of Vel Quick Daisy and Kyle Dibenedetto for third.

Vel Miss Taylor was the favorite, paying $2.98 for the win. The six-year-old daughter of Ponder is now owned by Cliff Grundy and trained by Tammy Sowers. She began her career under the direction of Larry King on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit and now has 36 career wins and more than $138,000. Her career best time was taken at three at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in 1:54.3 before she relocated to the East Coast.

Heaven Needs Me delivers at Harrah's Philadelphia

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 03:24:00 GMT

It was a fight to the finish between two Indiana sired pacers with Heaven Needs Me and Simon Allard getting the final call Sunday, April 26 at Harrah’s Philadelphia. The Indiana sired pacer turned in a last to first effort for the win in 1:52.4 in the $13,500 conditioned pace.

Heaven Needs Me began from the outside post seven and showed no interest in getting involved in the race early, moving to the back of the pack as Seaworthy Hanover and Ridge Warren put their rail starting spot to good use and became the first leader. However their time on the top was short lived as Lazarus Star and March Herschberger rallied up and around to take over before the quarter in :28.1. The field stayed in single file through the half in :56.4 and it wasn’t until the field has moved down the backside for the second time that the trailing horses began to shift to the outside.

Heaven Needs Me made one move. He moved to the outside to pass horses and had to go three wide in the final turn to reach the top horses in the race. In the stretch, he was widest of all and in full flight as the wire neared. He was able to fend off Son of Era and Patrick Ryder on the inside to score the win by a neck. Son of Era is also an Indiana bred son of JK Endofanera. TH Colby and Tim Tetrick used a move up the inside to finish third.

Heaven Needs Me paid $17.20 for the win. The four-year-old son of Capt Midnight is owned and trained by Chelsey Faurot, who also bred the gelding.

Heaven Needs Me is now two for three in 2026 after going unraced as a two-year-old. Overall, he has five wins in 22 starts and tops $67,000 in earnings. His career best time of 1:52.2 was taken last year at Pocono Downs.

Earlier in the card, Indiana sired Lovers Trouble and Joe Bongiorno turned in a near gate to wire effort after taking over after the quarter in the $11,000 claiming event. Around the final turn, Lovers Trouble began to scoot away from the field and won by three and one-half lengths in 1:52.2. Hesa Kingslayer N and Simon Allard finished second over Duckies Dynasty and Mark Herschberger for third.

Lovers Trouble was the favorite of the field, paying $2.40 for the win. The five-year-old Tellitlikeitis gelding is owned by JB Racing and Evans Nation. Bongiorno also trains the gelding, who was bred and raised in Indiana by breeders Zach Miller, Edward Dobrowolski of Indiana and Edward Dobrowolski of Michigan.

Lovers Trouble earned his third win of the year in the effort. Overall, he has 13 wins and more than $146,000 in earnings. He picked up a sub 1:50 career best mark as a three-year-old at Pocono Downs. He is the foal from the former Indiana contender SS Lover, who made $68,000 during her career and took a mark of 1:53.0 before becoming a brood mare. She is now a 100 percent producing brood mare with four winners from four foals of racing age. Lovers Trouble is her richest and her quickest to date. She does have a two-year-old this season, a colt by Freaky Feet Pete named Freaky Lover.

BB Lucky Boy scores in dead heat at The Big M

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 03:58:56 GMT

BB Lucky Boy finished in a dead heat with Seasideescape Saturday, April 25 through a driving rainstorm at the Meadowlands. The Indiana pacer shared the final time of 1:51.4 with his opponent in the claiming event.

BB Lucky Boy began from post six with driver Dexter Dunn and pushed the gate out of the way with early speed. However, several horses to his inside, including Seasideescape and Jason Bartlett, also went to the lead, leaving BB Lucky Boy four-wide heading into the turn. The field began to settle behind Rockme Rollme and Yannick Gingras before the quarter and BB Lucky Boy had the opportunity to move into the four-hole but passed it up as Seasideescape also decided to go onto the lead after the quarter in :26.4. Once Seasideescape cleared the top, BB Lucky Boy became the third leader of the race at the half in :55.0.

Heading into the final turn, horses were approaching on the outside by BB Lucky Boy remained in control. In the stretch, the top two pulled away from the field with Seasideescape pulling out of the two hole and emerging on BB Lucky Boy. One last surge brought the horses together at the wire for the dead heat win. Alabamajamma and Colin Kelly moved up for third.

BB Lucky Boy paid $2.80 for his half of the dead heat. The seven-year-old son of Luck Be Withyou is owned by Paul Kautz and trained by Cameron Capone. Martin Schmucker bred ad raised the gelding, who picked up his fifth win of 2026. Overall, he has 36 trips to the winner’s circle with more than $300,000 on his card. His best time of 1:49.1 was taken as a three-year-old at Pocono Downs. BB Lucky Boy began under the direction of Robert Taylor at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Later in the evening, another Indiana sired pacer scored a victory at the Big M as Saba Rock and Jason Bartlett moved first over in the middle stages of the conditioned pace en route to the victory by two and one-half lengths in 1:51.2. Captain Crusader A and Tim Tetrick finished second, just a neck ahead of Voukefalas and Jordan Stratton.

Saba Rock, a product of the DeLong breeding operation, paid $4.80 for the win. The four-year-old son of Rockin Image is owned by Jeff Fought Racing, Brian Carsey, and Adam Friedland. Per Engblom trains the gelding, who earned his first win of 2026 in the effort.

Overall, Saba Rock has nine career wins. After only starting twice at two with no wins, Saba Rock won eight of 19 starts last year as a sophomore. Roger Welch broke and trained the pacer until last fall. Saba Rock is a former Indiana Sires Stakes winner in the Hoosier State.

Bikini Chaser in chase mode for Indiana win

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 02:04:55 GMT

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Photo by Dean Gillette

It took the entire length of the stretch, but Bikini Chaser gave chase to veteran pacer General Dolan and won the battle Friday, April 24 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Guided by Joey Putnam, the Indiana sired pacer scored the first win of 2026 in the $8,000 conditioned pace.

Bikini Chaser began from the outside in post seven and left with some speed from the gate, but went into idle for a few strides until assessing the situation. Putnam saw General Dolan and Trace Tetrick rush out to the lead and that was the horse to follow. Bikini Chaser hurried up and got the seat right behind him before the first turn and through the quarter in :26.4. From there, the field stayed in single file as General Dolan led through the half in :55.4 for a little breather before the final half.

Aye Aye Capt Russ and Kevin Lambright were the first to pull to the outside and endured a first over journey, but could not catch up to General Dolan. At the head of the lane, Bikini Chaser was able to move out from his resting spot and went to work, chasing down General Dolan to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:51.1. Shooting in Place and Brandon Bates moved up for third.

Bikini Chaser paid $45.00 for the win, his first in his second start of the year. The four-year-old son of JK Endofanera is owned by JP Racing and trained by Joe Putnam. Joe Putnam and Katie Brown bred the gelding from their previous race mare Rockin Bikini, who took a mark of 1:51.4 and made $136,000.

Bikini Chaser now has six career wins and more than $105,000 in earnings. His career mark was taken last year as a three-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in 1:50.3. Bikini Chaser is one of three six-figure winners from Rockin Bikini, joining Droppin Bikinis and Madisons Angel with more than $100,000 on their cards.

Also a winner on the night was Classical Jane and Jordan Ross in the $8,000 conditioned trot. The four-year-old Swan for All mare followed cover in the middle stages of the race before rallying home in the stretch to fend off a late charge by Dashing Danny and Marcus Miller for the win by a neck in 1:55.3. Dans Credit and Luke Plano finished third.

Classical Jane paid $12.40 for the win. The mare is owned by Hillside Stables, Frank Baldachino, Beasty, and Backroad Stables. Henry Graber Jr. trains the mare, who is a product of Mast Standardbreds.

It was the first win in the first start of 2026 for Classical Jane, who now has seven wins and is closing in on $300,000 in earnings. Her career best time of 1:54.1 was taken last year at three at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Lady by a Nose a winner by a length

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 02:42:10 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Lady by a Nose and Brad Ferguson rallied home to a length victory Thursday, April 23 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The duo covered the one mile conditioned trot in a time of 1:56.4, a new lifetime mark.

Lady by a Nose began from post seven and joined a group of horses to her inside who displayed early speed. Ferguson was able to identify a spot along the inside in fourth as West Stokes and Brandon Bates moved up to take the lead through the quarter in :27.4. The field remained in single file through the half in :56.2 before Lady By a Nose was moved to the outside in first over fashion around the final turn.

In the stretch, Lady by a Nose only had one horse to catch and that was West Stokes. Midway through the stretch, Lady By a Nose moved out to the lead and was able to fend off all late challengers for the win. You Know Dancer and Robert Taylor maintained ground inside for second over Hot Cash and Kevin Lambright, who closed on the outside for third.

Lady By a Nose paid $10.00 for the win. The five-year-old daughter of Colie’s is owned by Brad and Augustus Ferguson and Joel Bontrager. Amos Schwartz bred and raised the mare, who is trained by Harry Miller.

A one-time contender on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit, Lady By a Nose earned her first win of 2026 in her fourth start of the year. Overall, she now has four wins and more than $40,000 in earnings. She has been owned by the Ferguson family her entire career.

In the very next race, newcomer Sensational Tell scored a win in her second career start in the $11,500 conditioned pace. The three-year-old daughter of Tellitlikeitis rallied out to the lead for Trace Tetrick and never looked back, pulling away from the field for a three-length victory at the wire in 1:54.2. It Liz Again and LeWayne Miller finished second over Promiss Me Therock and Robert Taylor for third.

Unraced at two, Sensational Tell paid $6.60 for her first career win. She is owned by Country Club Acres, Jeff Eckburg, Joe Sbrocco, and John Fodera. Tyler George trains the filly, who was born and raised at Victory Hill Farm. She was a $75,000 purchase from the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale and is a full sister to Indiana Sires Stakes contender Captain Tell. The maternal family traces back to the great Betting Line, 2016 Canadian and U.S. Three-Year-Old Pacer of the Year with more than $1.8 million in earnings and a mark of 1:47.2. He is now a successful sire.

Horse of the Month coming to Hoosier Park

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:41:07 GMT

A new promotion is on the horizon for Harrah’s Hoosier Park (HHP). Through a partnership with the Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA) and a sponsorship from Elite Nutrition, Horse of the Month is being introduced beginning in May.

Each month, one horse will be selected. Special t-shirts will be created with the Elite Nutrition logo and depicting the “Horse of the Month.” Each Friday, a limited number of t-shirts will be placed into Hoosier Park’s regular t-shirt toss. Those who catch the special t-shirts will then be invited to come back and watch the “Horse of the Month” race. Those with the t-shirts are encouraged to wear the shirts for the horse’s next race. If they wear their “Horse of the Month” shirts and the horse wins its race, they will be invited into the winner’s circle and will be part of the post race presentation and photo of the winning horse.

The “Horse of the Month” will change each month and will be announced before the end of the previous month. The purpose of the promotion is to build a fan base around some of the horses that excel at Hoosier Park and also encourage on-track attendance for the races. Gabe Prewitt, vice president and general manager of racing, will assist the ISA with selecting the “Horse of the Month” during the 2026 racing season.

Watch for more details on the new “Horse of the Month” promotion via social media and on-track. The first “Horse of the Month” will be announced soon and will be for the month of May. T-Shirts will soon circulate on Fridays at HHP to get the promotion underway.

The “Horse of the Month” promotion is one of the latest provided by ISA and HHP to encourage engagement with racing fans and help showcase Standardbred racing in the state of Indiana.

Fortunada kicks off Yonkers program with a win

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 02:52:19 GMT

Fortunada kicked off the Tuesday, April 21 program at Yonkers with a win in the evening’s opener. The Indiana sired pacer crushed her opponents as she rallied home a winner by open lengths in 1:55.2.

Fortunada and Joe Bongiorno began from post one and tried to use early speed, but had big challenges from the outside from Disaronno Hill and Jason Bartlett and Ideal Skies and Jim Marohn Jr. Horses were three-wide in the first turn as Fortunada was doing everything she could to maintain the top spot. There was contact between Ideal Skies and Disaronno Hill for a few strides before Ideal Skies dropped in behind Fortunada and Disaronno Hill went onto the lead at the quarter in :28.1. From there, the field stayed in single file through the half in :57.3. Horses from the back of the pack began to inch out which prompted Beantown Babe and Jordan Stratton to the outside in first over fashion.

Bartlett popped the earplugs on Disaronno Hill at the three-quarters in 1:26.1. Beantown Babe could not close the gap on the leader, allowing Fortunada to move to the outside in the final turn.

Once the field straightened out in the stretch, Fortunada found another gear. The Indiana mare cruised home for the win by two and three-quarter lengths over Disaronno Hill. Beantown Babe finished third.

Fortunada was a mild upset winner, paying $15.14 for the win. The six-year-old daughter of Luck Be Withyou is owned by Flatland Racing and trained by Ricky Bucci. She was bred and raised by William DeLong, Gordon Wright, and William Patrick DeLong. It was her first win of 2026 and her 20 ^th overall. She now has more than $400,000 in earnings with her career best time of 1:51.1 taken as a three-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The former Indiana Sires Stakes Super Final winner as a two-year-old was campaigned for the DeLong family by Trainer Roger Welch. Following her three-year-old season, she shipped East and has raced mainly in the New York area since.

Fortunada is the final foal from the Modern Art mare Lauren, who earned more than $370,000 in her career. She began in Canada under Bob McIntosh and was a strong Ontario Sires Stakes contender before eventually coming back to Illinois to race. She was also trained by Roger Welch.

Treasure G worth the wait at Oak Grove

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 01:17:12 GMT

Indiana filly wins first pari-mutuel race

Treasure G took her young career to the next level Monday, April 20 with his first pari-mutuel win at Oak Grove. Driver Brandon Bates guided the Indiana sophomore to victory in the $12,000 maiden to earn her first win of 2026.

Treasure G began from post three and floated out of the gate and secured a spot in mid pack as Keep on Stepping and Terry Skinner rallied out to the first lead before the quarter in :27.3 with Dancin After Dark and Zyler Maxwell parked on the outside. Dancin After Dark moved onto the lead. It wasn’t long before the front end changed again as Coverupthetracks and Atlee Bender moved out and around to take over before the half in :55.4 with everyone staying along the inside rail behind him. Treasure G was gapping by many lengths off the top contenders in the first half.

As the field approached the three-quarters, horses from the back of the pack moved out and began to move forward. Treasure G had closed the gap and was waiting for the right time to move out. As soon as Keep on Stepping moved out, so did Treasure G. Coming out of the final turn, horses were four across the track with Treasure G the widest of all. She hit another gear in the stretch and paced home in :28.4 to score the win by three-quarters of a length. Dancin After Dark finished second over Keep on Stepping.

Treasure G paid $12.52 for the win. The three-year-old filly of Capt Midnight is owned by breeder Carla Bride and trained by Leslie Burton. It was the first time Bates had driven the filly, who began her career on the Kentucky Fair Circuit last season, winning one of those races.

Treasure G was making her third start of 2026. She is the first and only foal from the Popperosa mare Air’Eez, who also raced for Bride and Burton. She has yet to race in Indiana as she is dual eligible to both Kentucky and Indiana.

Lucky Streak strikes at Shenandoah

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:56:22 GMT

Indiana sired Lucky Streak closed out the Sunday, April 19 racing program at Shenandoah Downs in Virginia with a win. The gelding rallied home with an impressive final quarter to score the win in 1:57.0 in the $5,000 conditioned event.

Lucky Streak was out of the gate in a flash for driver Eric Davis heading into the first turn. Horses were three wide as Lucky Streak made his way to the front, finally getting his wish heading down the backstretch. Western Flames and William Carter had settled into second but they were not satisfied to follow, moving out and around before the quarter in :28.4. From there, Western Flames controlled the tempo with Drunkonaplane and Corey Braden moving out first and joined Western Flames on the front end at the three-quarters in 1:28.1. Lucky Streak was still on the inside, but Davis grabbed hold of the gelding and moved him back and out, swinging three wide in the final turn.

At the head of the lane, Lucky Streak hit another gear and moved away from the field for the win in 1:58.0 by two lengths. Drunkonaplane finished second between horses with Western Flames in third.

Lucky Streak paid $9.00 for the win. The six-year-old son of Luck Be Withyou is owned by Spencer Goldin and trained by Alexandria Goldin. He was bred by Elmer Yoder. It was his first win of 2026 and his 13 ^th overall. Lucky Streak has accumulated more than $72,000 during his career with his career best time of 1:53.0 taken at Shenandoah.

Despite being an Indiana sired gelding, Lucky Streak began his career in Maryland and has never raced in Indiana. He has been with his current connections for the past two and one-half years.

Select Friday a Saturday winner at The Big M

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 03:04:36 GMT

Select Friday and Driver Mark Herschberger pulled in a mild upset Saturday, April 18 at The Meadowlands. The duo pulled away from the field late in the lane for the win in the TrackMaster Series in a time of 1:53.1.

Select Friday began from post seven and was one of four horses who left the gate for the lead. Swifty Lazar and Joe Bongiorno had the first advantage inside with Select Friday to his outside. Sono Confuso and Scott Zeron continued to pursue the top spot as Select Friday slid in behind Swifty Lazar. Sono Confuso was the new leader after the quarter in :27.2. It didn’t take long for Swifty Lazar to move out and around and retake the lead at the half in :56.1. Only a few strides later, and Select Friday was flushed out of his resting spot heading into the final turn.

Select Friday was strong on the outside and moved up with authority. At the head of the lane, Herschberger asked him for more speed and he responded, pulling away for a two-length win at the wire over Lincoln Boulevard and Yannick Gingras, who closed to second. Sono Confuso finished third.

Select Friday paid $16.80. The eight-year-old son of Rockin Image is owned by Chad Colasanti and trained by Donald Maiorano. Frontier Farms bred and raised the gelding, who picked up his third win of 2026. Overall, he now has 32 wins in 183 starts with more than $218,000 in earnings. His career best was taken as a five-year-old at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

Select Friday began his career at Pocono Downs, turning in two qualifiers before venturing to Indiana where he joined the LeWayne Miller barn for a few starts and later moved to the care of Trainer Lyle Scurlock. He initially was named Frontier Romance and sold from the Newfound Stables consignment in the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale. He brought $20,000 through the ring as the second foal of the mare The Face of Love with a mark of 1:52.1 and more than $162,000 in earnings. She is a half sister to the standout Illinois gelding Iam Bonasera, a winner in 1:49.2 with more than $850,000.

Another Indiana winner was part of the Saturday program at The Meadowlands later in the card as BB Lucky Boy and Jason Bartlett scored a gate to wire win in the $20,000 claimer. The seven-year-old son of Luck Be Withyou stopped the timer in 1:51.0, one and one-half lengths ahead of Gallie Getaway and Braxten Boyd. Dancing Lew and Todd McCarthy finished third.

BB Lucky Boy was the favorite of the field. He is owned by Paul Kautz and trained by Cameron Capone. Martin Schmucker bred the gelding, who earned his fourth win of 2026. Overall, he has 35 wins and topped the $300,000 mark in earnings with his latest victory. He took his career best time of 1:49.1 as a three-year-old at Pocono Downs. BB Lucky Boy began his career with the Robert Taylor barn at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Bam Bam turns in knockout performance in Landess Final

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 04:25:44 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Bam Bam and Atlee Bender turned in a knockout performance Friday, April 17 in the $20,000 final of the Jerry Landess Series. The three-year-old earned a new lifetime mark in the effort in a time of 1:52.4.

Bam Bam came into the race with one win and one second in his young career. He began from post two and used a little early speed to slide into the three hole as Vel See you later and Clint Coy were the first leaders at the quarter in :29.0. They were overtaken by Ilikeitlikethat and Brandon Bates at the half in :57.2. Heading into the final turn, Bam Bam was out and moving forward and passing up rivals with every stride.

In the stretch, Bam Bam took over and took off. He rallied home in :27.1 for the win by three and one-half lengths for a knockout punch to his opponents. Vel See You Later crossed the wire next, but made a break late in the lane and was placed back to third, moving Don’t Cuss Russ and John DeLong up to second.

Bam Bam was the favorite of the field, paying $2.60 for the win. The Tellitlikeitis three-year-old is owned by Anthony Lombardi, Engel Stable of IL and Tony Willinger. Erv Miller trains the gelding, who was unraced at two. Bam Bam was a $46,000 yearling purchase from the Walker Standardbred Sale in Illinois. His dam, Podges Lady, took a mark of 1:51.4 and made more than $400,000 and has become a very productive brood mare. She is the dam of six winners in seven foals, including Sams Triple Crown with a mark of 1:49.1 and General Ward, who has more than $300,000 on his card. Of the six winners, four have six figures on their card. The family has a two-year-old this year, an Illinois bred by Somestarsomewhere named Fox Valley Kravitz and a yearling this year, also by Somestarsomewhere named Fox Valley Equinox.

In the race before the Landess final, Crooked Smile and Jordan Ross scored a win in 1:49.2 in the upper conditioned pace. After sitting in second behind M-M’s Bud and John DeLong, they found room to maneuver in the lane and rallied home to a length win over Sanday A and Trae Tetrick. Gorgeous Big Guy and Kyle Wilfong finished third.

Crooked Smile was a longshot, paying $26.40 for the victory. The nine-year-old Panther Hanover gelding is owned by Wilson Racing Stable and Turn For Home Racing. Tim Wilson Jr. trains the veteran pacer, who earned his second win in his fourth start this year. Overall, he has 40 wins and more than $625,000 in earnings. His career best time of 1:48.4 was taken last year as an eight-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. He has now won at least once in a sub 1:50 time the past six years of his career.

Cruisen Halle on cruise control in Stohler Final

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:17:44 GMT

Sophomore filly breaks maiden in Final

Photo by Dean Gillette

Cruisen Halle and LeWayne Miller were on cruise control at the wire to win the $20,000 Kenneth Stohler Memorial Thursday, April 16 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The mild upset winner scored the victory in the fillies and mares event in 1:52.2 for the filly’s first career win.

Starting from post two, Cruisen Halle headed out to the lead from the inside and was the first to show the way in the field of 10 before Klorox Queen and Trace Tetrick reached the lead at the quarter in :26.1. Cruisen Halle let her settle on the front before popping back out and retaking control before the half in :54.4. Lets Justin Turtle and Marcus Miller was then the third leader heading into the final turn. Sweet Mama Drama N and Mike Micallef led the outside charge forward around the field turn with Cruisen Halle getting shuffled back on the inside.

In the stretch, Cruisen Halle found room to move and was out and rolling, getting by her opponents and leading the way to the finish line by a comfortable two length advantage. Sweet Mama Drama N maintained her position for second over Klorox Queen for third.

Cruisen Halle paid $15.80 for the win. She picked a great time to break her maiden in the Stohler Final for her connections, owner William Hartt and Britney Dillon, who also trains. Devon Beechy and Devon Knepp bred the sophomore daughter of Rockin Image, who sold out of the 3-D Farms consignment at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale for $80,000. The well-bred filly is a full sister to the standout older pacer Buzzsaw Russ, making her a hot prospect both on the track and as a brood mare some day.

Cruisen Halle made 10 starts last year as a two-year-old with no luck. She made her three-year-old debut in the last preliminary round of the Stohler Memorial and finished second, setting her up for her maiden breaking victory in the final.

Later in the program the $20,000 Miss Windfall Final was held with Princess Laa and trainer-driver Dale Hiteman picking up the win. The five-year-old Always a Virgin mare is owned by DTM Stable of Ohio and is a product of Velocity Standardbreds from their tough race mare Sugar Nips. Princess Laa was in the mix early, and fought her way to the wire for the win by a neck in 1:54.4. Ishtar and Trace Tetrick finished second over It Liz Again and Kyle Wilfong.

Princess Laa is now two for four in 2026. The win was also a new lifetime mark for the mare, who only started one time as a two-year-old, missed her entire three-year-old season, and then only had two starts last year at four. Her dam, Sugar Nips, used to race in Indiana and earned a mark of 1:50.4 with more than $250,000 in earnings before her retirement. She is a near 100 percent producer with three six figure winners, Sugar Island (1:50.1, $251,000), Velocity Poprocks (1:50.2, $318,000) and Suge (1:52.3, $185,000). Princess Laa is her final foal.

Ponda Jet soars in 2026

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:10:40 GMT

Indiana's reigning older trotter is back

Photo by Dean Gillette

Ponda Jet and Kyle Wilfong made their return to Indiana with a big effort Wednesday, April 15 in the featured $22,000 Open Trot. The duo remained perfect for the year with their second win of the season in 1:53.2.

Indiana’s Trotting Track Record Champion Ponda Jet came into his Indiana debut off a win at Oak Grove at the end of March. He began from post five and headed straight to the lead from the start, posting the first quarter in :27.1. He kept a lively tempo to the half in :56.0 and three-quarters in 1:24.2. Ponda Jet soared in the lane, winning by one length in 1:53.2 over stablemate Operator, driven by Marcus Miller. Famous Father and Luke Plano finished third.

Ponda Jet was the overwhelming favorite, paying $2.40 for the win. The six-year-old son of Dover Dan is owned by Connie Hochstetler, Robert Buddig, and Allen Schwartz. Pond-A-Acres bred the gelding, who is trained by Jay Hochstetler.

Ponda Jet now has 35 career wins from 77 career starts. He is closing in on $800,000 in earnings. His track record setting time of 1:50.0 was set as a four-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Also a winner on the night was Sun Rae’s Triumph, driven by Anthony Miller. The three-year-old Best in Show filly sat in mid pack before finding her best stride late in the lane, rallying up to capture the win by a half length over Be Fearless and John DeLong. Dojea Gingerale and Trace Tetrick finished third.

Sun Rae’s Triumph is owned by Alvin, Dessa and Zach Miller. She is a home bred from the family’s former standout race mare Pacific Sun Rae, who won 12 races and more than $323,000 in earnings during her career. As a brood mare, she has had six foals of racing age with Raes Lucky Charm the quickest and the richest with a mark of 1:52.2 and earnings of $51,000. The family also has a yearling filly this year by Southwind Ozzi.

It was the first start of the year for Sun Raes Triumph. She is now four for 10 in her career with her bankroll exceeding $16,000. Her career best time of 1:55.2 was taken in her race Wednesday. She paid $19.20 for the win.

Star Pilot shines at Saratoga

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 03:55:13 GMT

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Star Pilot shines at Saratoga

Star Pilot and Leon Bailey proved to be too tough Tuesday, April 14 in the $8,300 conditioned trot at Saratoga Harness. The duo covered the one-mile event in a time of 1:59.4 as a mild upset winner.

Starting from post four, Star Pilot left the gate with intentions of leading the way. They were challenged by Discus Hanover and Jacob Cutting from the inside, who reached the top spot first, keeping Star Pilot hung on the outside around the first turn. Once they straightened up toward the quarter in :29.4, Star Pilot was able to clear for one stride before Discus Hanover was back out to retake the lead.

Heading to the half, Discus Hanover continued to lead the way with no movement coming from the back of the pack. Heading to the three-quarter pole, Pappy Go Go and Phil Fluet moved out and up but could not get close to the top two. This allowed Star Pilot to move to the outside at the three-quarter pole in 1:29.2. However, the petite Star Pilot could not make up any ground on Discus Hanover, who was hanging tough on the top spot.

At the head of the lane, Discus Hanover went off stride and left the course inside the pylons. This would have appeared to open up the race to Star Pilot. However, the miscue by Discus Hanover opened up the inside for Arlanda and Chris Lone, who shot up the inside. But Star Pilot was strong to the wire, winning by one length over Arlanda. Paradise Moni and Aaron Byron finished third.

Star Pilot paid $23.60 for the win. The five-year-old daughter of Pilot Discretion is owned by Adam Friedland and trained by Amanda Bailey. Devon Knepp bred the mare, who picked up her 13 ^th career win and her second of 2026. Overall, she has more than $172,000 in earnings with a career best time of 1:55.4 taken as a three-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. She has been with her current connections since last summer.

Star Pilot sold as a yearling at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale as part of the David Wayne Yoder consignment, who was acting as agent for Devon Knepp. She is the first foal from the Crazed mare KS Crazee and was purchased by Porterprofessionalservices of Michigan for $20,000. She made her debut on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit for trainer-driver Matt Rheinheimer and later moved to Harrah’s Hoosier Park, competing in the Indiana Sires Stakes Super Final. After being claimed, she eventually landed in upstate New York.

Earlier in the day at Saratoga, Leon Bailey guided another Indiana trotter to a win as Help Us Help You moved first over before taking over late in the lane for the win in 1:59.4. Help Us Help You was a length winner over Spill the Tea and Aaron Byron. Shalamar Hanover and Chris Long finished third.

Help Us Help You paid $20.42 for the win. The four-year-old Helpisontheway gelding is owned by Adam Friedland and trained by Daniel Gill. Help Us Help You was bred by Wiesman Farms of Maryland. He is now a three-time winner in 2026 with five wins overall. His career best time remains at 1:58.0 taken as a two-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park where he began his career under the direction of trainer Joe Putnam.

Coaches Corner back on the court in Borgata

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:31:23 GMT

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Coaches Corner was back in a big way Monday, April 13 at Yonkers Raceway. The Indiana standout pacer and defending champion of the MGM Borgata placed himself in the win column following a near gate to wire win in the third round of this year’s Borgata Series.

Starting from post two, Coaches Corner left the gate for Jason Bartlett, but so did Soho Firestone A and Yannick Gingras. Bartlett had to urge Coaches Corner on heading into the first turn to keep close to the lead. Midway through the turn, Soho Firestone A was able to take over but not for long. As soon as he crossed over, Coaches Corner was out and rolling to the lead to get settled in before the quarter in :27.4. From there, Coaches Corner was calling all the shots through the half in :56.2 and even to the three-quarters in 1:23.4 before Howlenthehills and Matt Kakaley were advancing toward them on the outside.

Midway through the final turn, Coaches Corner was still in full control of the race and as they turned for home, he continued to dominate, pacing home in :27.1 for the win by one and one-quarter lengths in 1:51.0. Soho Firestone A maintained ground for second inside with Howlenthehills finishing third.

Coaches Corner paid $2.66 as the favorite of the field. It was the first win of the season for the six-year-old son of Always a Virgin, who is owned by Jeff Fought Racing and Brian Carsey. Per Engblom trains for Fought and Carsey with Coaches Corner bred and raised by Black Creek Farm and Hickory Hollow Stables. He now has 36 wins in 94 career starts with more than $1.5 million on his card. He took his career best time of 1:49.3 as a four-year-old at Saratoga Harness.

Coaches Corner began his career under the direction of Byron Hooley at Harrah’s Hoosier Park and didn’t win his first race until September of his two-year-old season. He competed in several stakes races in the Midwest, including the Hoosier Cup at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and the Two-Year-Old Standardbred at Delaware during Little Brown Jug week, finishing third. He began his three-year-old season on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit, winning the Governor’s Cup Championship and Elite Series before being purchased and moving to the Engblom barn for his new connections through the Blooded Horse Summer Sale for $65,000.

Coaches Corner was the seventh horse to sell in the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale and brought $13,000 through the ring under the name Hot Lava. After acquired by Hooley, he was renamed for a restaurant that is popular in northern Indiana. He is the first foal of the Somebeachsomewhere mare Carobbean Pacetry, who took a mark of 1:51.1 before becoming a brood mare. The maternal family has some depth with several sub 1:50 performers and several $100,000 plus earners.

The MGM Borgata Pacing Series has two more preliminary legs with the final set for Friday, May 8.

Midwest Standardbred Horse Sale deadline Friday

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 01:37:52 GMT

The Midwest Standardbred Horse Sale (MSHS) has announced its last call for entries for the 2026 select yearling sale. The sale will be held Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

The deadline for entries is Friday, April 17, 2026.

The sale will feature approximately 350 Indiana bred yearlings in addition to a limited number of yearlings sired in surrounding states and yearlings sired in any state that have Kentucky eligibility.

The MSHS will once again offer a sliding scale commission to consignors. Also, consignors will receive 40 percent of their gross sales at the conclusion of the sale.

For more information and a link to theYearling Entry Form, please visit www.midweststandardbredhorsesale.com . All questions should be directed to sales manager, Jamie Macomber at (740) 974-5048 or jmacomber@midweststandardbredhorsesale.com.

DP Royal Tea pours it on at Shenandoah

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 01:29:42 GMT

DP Royal Tea and Billy Carter made it a family daily double Saturday, April 11 at Shenandoah Downs in Virginia. The duo made it to the wire first over Carter’s son, William, driving Thorn Toad.

DP Royal Tea traded blows with Thorn Toad on the front end with DP Royal Tea leading through the quarter in :28.1 before Thorn Toad moved and retook control at the half in :58.4. From there, the outer flow formed led by Singforyoursupper and Iowa’s Nick Roland.

In the final turn, Singforyoursupper had DP Royal Tea locked in behind Thorn Toad. In the stretch, Thorn Toad drifted out and DP Royal Tea poured it on down the stretch to win by a neck in 1:57.4 over Thorn Toad. Singforyoursupper finished third.

DP Royal Tea was a longshot, paying $18.60 for the win. The five-year-old son of Palone Ranger is owned by Jamie Bozman and trained by Billy Carter. Steven Peterink and Randy Dickerhoof bred the Indiana sired gelding, who picked up his second win in his seventh start of 2026. Overall, he has seven wins with his career best time of 1:54.1 taken at Rosecroft Raceway as a three-year-old.

Also a winner earlier in the day at Shenandoah was the former Indiana contender Saddle Up, now owned by PT Stable. The JK Endofanera gelding got away in second behind Hulou and Justin Vincent as the first quarter of :27.3 was placed on the board. Saddle Up was out and moved around to take over at the half in :58.1 and led the way into the stretch.

Horses were three wide in the final turn seeking to unseat Saddle Up but he dug in gamely, fending off all challengers by a neck at the wire in 1:56.1. Jackies Boy and Fern Paquet Jr. finished second over Marco Beach and Corey Braden for third.

Saddle Up paid $12.20 for the win. The Cornerstone Stock Farm product, now trained by Bryson Dunning, earned his first win of 2026 and his 36 ^th overall. He is closing in on a half million in earnings with his career best time of 1:50.1 taken as a three-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Brookview Glider repeats in Fransen Memorial

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 01:26:33 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Brookview Glider and Jordan Ross made it clear they were the ones to beat Friday, April 10 in the second leg of the Mark Fransen Memorial at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The duo captured the first of two divisions on the card in a time of 1:53.4 to remain perfect in 2026 in two starts.

Brookview Glider began his race from post six and rallied out to the lead early, securing the top spot before the quarter in :27.2. Winnercircleseeker and Trace Tetrick slid in behind him to get a two-hole trip. After the half in :57.2, Brookview Glider picked the pace back up heading into the final turn. He saved his best stride for last as he rallied home in :27.1 for the win by a comfortable one and three-quarter lengths. Winnercircleseeker finished second over Baby Billy and John DeLong for third.

Brookview Glider paid $4.60 for the win. The sophomore son of Rockin Image is owned by Brian Code, James Nellinger, and Ernie Gaskin Stable. Brookview Farms bred the gelding, who was purchased by Trainer Ernie Gaskin at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale for $23,000. Brookview Glider didn’t find the winner’s circle last year but is a perfect two for two this season for his connections. He is the first foal from the Captaingtreacherous mare Significant Other, who is a sister to the fast Bettor Again, a winner in 1:48.2, Modern Gesture, a winner in 1:49, and Stolen Glimpse, a winner in 1:49.2.

Later in the card, veteran pacer Late Nite Hawk was a winner for Ross in the upper conditioned pace. The now seven-year-old Dover Dan gelding was the first leader at the quarter in :28 but was quickly passed up before the half by Sure Did and Kevin Lambright.

In the stretch Late Nite Hawk used a late rally to score the win by three-quarters of a length in 1:55.2, a final quarter in :27.3. Fifty to Win and Marcus Miller finished second over Chapolier and Luke Plano for third.

Late Nite Hawk paid $7.20 for the win. He is owned by Brett Wilfong and Goose Island Stable and trained by Wilfong. Merle Yoder bred the gelding, who is a half brother to a strong Indiana maternal family. His dam, Shaken Not Stirred, is a 100 percent producer, including the great Satin Dancer with a mark of 1:53 and more than $739,000 and Predator and Prey with a mark of 1:52 and earnings of nearly $600,000. The family, including Late Nite Hawk, has six of seven winners with earnings in the six-figure range. It was his second win of 2026 but overall, Late Nite Hawk has 22 wins and more than $310,000 in earnings. His career best time of 1:51.1 was taken as a four-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Rockin Charli repeats in Miss Windfall Series

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 03:02:25 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

It was a fight to the finish in the second round of the $10,000 Miss Windfall Series Thursday, April 9 as Rockin Charli repeated in the event for driver LeWayne Miller. The sophomore pacer scored the win by a head at the wire in 1:55.3.

Rockin Charli began from post three and left for the lead, but was parked through the quarter in :28.1 before assuming the top spot. Down the backstretch, horses stayed in single file to the half in :58.0 before Mystical Night and Clint Coy moved out first over in the final turn.

In the stretch, Rockin Charli and Mystical Night matched each other’s stride all the way to the finish line before Rockin Charlie got the edge in the end. It Liz Again and Kyle Wilfong moved up for third.

Rockin Charli was a little lower price this week compared to the first round and paid $6.80 for the win. The Rockin Image filly is owned by Eash Racing Stable and trained by Eash. Daryl Lehman bred and raised the filly, who is now two for two in 2026 and earned a new lifetime mark in the effort. An Indiana Sired Fair Circuit contender last year, Rockin Charli now has three career wins in seven starts. She was purchased from the 3-D Farms consignment at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale by Eash for $8,000 early in the first session. She is the second foal from the Always B Miki mare Angiesmiki Hanover the grand dam, A and Gs Confusion, a former Dan Patch Award winner, earning the Two-Year-Old Pacing Filly title in 2007 in both the U.S. and Canada. A and Gs Confusion retired with more than $1.4 million in earnings and a mark of 1:49.4 while winning races such as the Breeders Crown, She’s a Great Lady, and hitting the board in the Mistletoe Shalee.

Earlier in the night Dixie Dream and Marcus Miller scored a victory in the $18,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace. The six-year-old Always a Virgin mare was parked the entire mile before taking over in the stretch and rolling out to a three and one-quarter length advantage at the wire in 1:53.1. Rose Run Vision and LeWayne Miller finished second in a photo with True Blue Hanover and Trace Tetrick.

Dixie Dream paid $6.60 for the win. She is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, and Frank Baldachino. Ron Burke handles the training duties for the mare, who earned her first win of 2026. Overall, she has 18 career wins from 98 starts with more than $265,000 in earnings. Her career best time of 1:49.4 was taken last year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Burke debuts impressive in Indiana

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:31:45 GMT

August Salazar wins 2026 debut

Photo by Dean Gillette

It was a big day of 2026 trotting debuts for the Ron Burke Stable Wednesday, April 8 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Earlier in the day, 2025 Trotter of the Year On to Norway won his qualifier in 1:56.3 and later that night, Burke horses won two of three divisions of the Chad E. Carlton Trotting Series, which is in its second leg.

August Salazar and John DeLong began from post one in the third of three divisions of the Carlton series. When the gate folded, they used just enough speed to maintain their positioning along the inside as Dial Nine One One and Marcus Miller took control of the lead before the first turn. Maga Hill, also trained by Burke, settled in second for Kyle Wilfong with race favorite August Salazar sitting in third. The field went by the quarter in :29.0 before DeLong pulled on the right line and moved August Salazar out and up to the leader, taking over just after the half in :58.3. Once he crossed over, he was on the lead by open lengths around the final turn.

In the stretch, August Salazar was going to be tough to beat. The sophomore trotter rallied home in :28.2 for the win under wraps in 1:56.3. Maga Hill finished two and one-quarter lengths back in second over Pilots Legacy and Jordan Ross for third.

August Salazar paid $3.20 for the win. The three-year-old son of Big Stick Lindy is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Michael Rosenthal, and Frank Baldachino. The breeder on the trotter is Risto Vidgren of Helsinki, Finland.

August Salazar began his career on the Kentucky fair circuit for Rodney DeBeck, winning his first three starts. He was acquired by Burke in August last year and moved into Indiana Sires Stakes action where he picked up several on the board finishes. He went on to win the Sires Stakes Consolation and then won a round of Kentucky Sires Stakes at Cumberland Run. He was making his first start of 2026 in the Carlton Series. The career best time for August Salazar remains from last season at 1:55.0. Overall, he is seven for 18 now in his career that includes more than $125,000 in earnings.

The Burke barn also connected with Mooter Tooter in 1:55.3 in another division of the Carlton Trotting Series.

Kousin Karl and Trace Tetrick were equally impressive in the only division of The Cardinal Series. Starting from post one and getting away second, Kousin Karl followed West Stokes and John DeLong closely through fractions of :28.4, :58.1, and 1:27.2. When he got room, Kousin Karl hit another gear and rallied away from the field, winning by five lengths in 1:56.4. West Stokes finished second over Star Express and Marcus Miller.

Kousin Karl paid $2.60 for the win. He is owned by Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi, Frank Baldachino, and Knox Services. Burke trains the gelding, who was bred and raised by Lyle Slabach.

A three-year-old son of Dover Dan, Kousin Karl is now three for four after not racing as a two-year-old. He now has $17,500 accumulated with his win Wednesday recording a new lifetime mark of 1:56.4. He is a recent purchase by the Burke Brigade.

Secret or Not leads Indiana trio at Saratoga

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 03:40:34 GMT

Secret or Not scores fifth win of 2026

It was a trio of trotters at Saratoga Harness Tuesday, April 7 that rallied home in the $12,000 conditioned trot with Secret or Not leading the way to the wire. The Indiana trotter was a winner for driver Kyle Swift in a time of 1:59.2.

Comeonover Hanover and Jim DeVaux were the first to reach the lead before Consus Victory and Billy Dobson took over after the quarter in :28.0. Heading to the half, Indiana sired Woodside Gabe driven by Leon Bailey moved to the outside first over, which prompted Secret or Not to pick up cover behind him at the half in :58.2. From there, the outer flow moved up slowly to get into position for the final quarter.

Midway through the final quarter, Secret or Not tipped three wide and was in full flight at the head of the lane. The veteran trotter passed up his rivals and scored the victory under wraps by one and one-quarter length over Woodside Gabe. Knowyoucando and Brett Beckwith moved up for third to make it an Indiana sired triple.

Secret or Not was the favorite of the field, paying $3.88 for the win. The eight-year-old son of Muscleprinctonian is owned by Jaypaul Hoover and trained by Jaymes Mcassey. Libby Myers is the breeder on the gelding, who now has four wins in 10 starts this season. Overall, he has 36 career wins and more than $289,000 in earnings. His career best time of 1:55.4 was taken as a five-year-old at Pocono Downs.

Also a winner on the card was Indiana sired Midnight Swan in the $10,750 conditioned trot. The five-year-old gelding went to the lead from the start for driver Jay Randall and held his position all the way to the wire for the win by one and one-half lengths in 1:59.4. Shalamar Hanover and Chris Long finished second over Do Whats Right and Joe Nassimos for third.

Midnight Swan is owned and trained by Bruce Cooper. He was bred by Norman Bontrager and picked up his first win of 2026 in the effort. Overall, he has seven wins and more than $67,000 in earnings, all accumulated at Saratoga. Midnight Swan took his career best time of 1:58.3 as a four-year-old at Saratoga. He started out in the Robert Taylor barn before heading to New York.

Rip Wheeler roars home at Oak Grove

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:43:27 GMT

Just like his namesake, Rip Wheeler is tough. The Indiana pacer never gave in, getting the win by a nose in the $16,000 conditioned pace Monday, April 6 at Oak Grove.

Starting from post four, Rip Wheeler left the early speed to others in the race, which included a majority of Indiana sired pacers. One of those was ER Rocky and Marvin Luna from the inside who had an early advantage for a few strides before Whelk Blue Chip, also an Indiana bred, rallied up with authority for Ronnie Wrenn Jr. to take over just after the quarter in :26.4. Rip Wheeler had landed in fourth and was already on the move to the outside before the half in :55.4, but was fortunate to pick up cover behind Jada Caroline and Atlee Bender.

As the field approached the three-quarter pole, Jada Caroline could not clear, moving Rip Wheeler three wide around the final turn. At the head of the lane, he only had one horse to catch and that was Whelk Blue Chip, who was still strong on the front end. It took the very last stride to get the win, but Rip Wheeler did it by a head over Whelk Blue Chip. ER Rocky maintained ground for third.

Rip Wheeler paid $4.22 for the win. The now seven-year-old son of Rockin Image is owned by Jeff Fought Racing, Brian Carsey, David Fought, and Lili Haynes. The Cornerstone Stock Farm product, making him a homebred for Fought, is trained by Walter Haynes Jr. and is three for four this season. The stocky pacer has 32 career wins from 99 starts with earnings of more than $600,000, thanks to his win Monday at Oak Grove. His career best time of 1:48.1 was taken as a four-year-old at Pocono Downs. Rip Wheeler is out of the mare, Novascotia Hanover, a winner in 1:51.1 and earnings of more than a half million. The mare is a near 100 percent producer as Rip Wheeler joins Rock N Zeus (1:52.3), Uncle Richard (1:51.2), and Nothinbutthebest (1:56.0) as winners from the family.

Earlier in the day, E Mode’s Desire earned another win this year at the age of 10 for owner Mike Peterson. The Real Desire gelding has accumulated 30 career wins and took his career mark of 1:49.1 at Hoosier Park as a five-year-old. A one time Indiana Sired Fair Circuit contender, E Mode’s Desire traveled in the two hole before moving in the stretch and grabbing the win by one and one-half lengths for driver Marvin Luna. Great Seats and Wyatt Avenatti finished second over Tickled to Tears and Atlee Bender.

E Mode’s Desire paid $5.56 for the win. He is being trained right now by Randy Crisler for Peterson.

ISA Night at the Races set for April

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 05:45:46 GMT

Members to enjoy night out

ISA to host Night at the Races in April

The Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA) will once again host a special night out during live racing at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. ISA Night at the Races will be held from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 24 in the Homestretch Clubhouse at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

All ISA members are invited to attend. The evening will feature food, giveaways, and great racing. The event is a great way to reconnect with others in racing and has become a reunion of sorts as participants are “welcomed back” for a new season of racing.

Membership applications will also be available at the event, for those seeking to renew their membership.

Those planning to attend ISA Night at the Races should RSVP to the ISA Office by Monday, April 20. Reservations can be obtained by emailing indianaharness@gmail.com or by calling (317) 462-6616. The event is sponsored by ISA and Harrah's Hoosier Park.

Delightful Virgin kicks off Cumberland afternoon with win

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 01:57:42 GMT

It was an afternoon of delight for owner-trainer Kelly Case as her grey mare rallied past opponents to win the program opener in the $4,600 Fillies and Mares Track Master Rating. Delightful Virgin and David Ingraham pulled in the upset as the longest shot on the board in the race.

Starting from post six, Delightful Virgin got away in sixth as Threetimessix and Wallace Watson rallied out to take over the top spot early from the gate. The field stayed in single file through the quarter in :30.0 and nearly to the half in 1:01.1. Just before the half, Dancethebigdance N and Nicholas Graffam pulled out and Delightful Virgin followed his lead to the outside.

Threetimessix continued to lead the way as Dancethebigdance N had moved up on the outside. Midway through the final turn, Delightful Virgin tipped three wide and was in perfect striking distance at the head of the lane.

In the stretch, Delightful Virgin was widest of all and was making up ground with every stride. She was at the wire in perfect timing for the win by a nose over Dancethebigdance N. So Unnsurreal and Kevin Switzer Jr. finished third.

Delightful Virgin paid $56.60 for the win. The eight-year-old daughter of Always a Virgin was bred by Emerald Highlands Farm. It was her first win of 2026 and her 18 ^th overall. She now has more than $142,000 with a career best time of 1:52.3 taken as a four-year-old at Plainridge.

Later in the card, Indiana sired Duncans Ranger and Nicholas Graffam turned in a gutsy effort in claiming action to win by one and one-quarter lengths. The eight-year-old Palone Ranger gelding took over early but was immediately challenged by Furious Beach and McGwire Sowers at the half in 1:01.0. The outside horse could not clear but didn’t go away, forcing St Lads Thriller and Steven Wilson three wide at the three-quarters. Duncans Ranger stayed the course and fended his position to the finish line for the win in 2:00.3. Quan Blue Chip and Aaron Hall moved in for second over St Lads Thriller for third.

Duncans Ranger was the favorite, paying $4.80 for the win. He is now owned by Ralph Silvestri and trained by Michelle Lefebvre. Dojea Stables bred and raised the Palone Ranger gelding, who picked up his third win of 2026. Overall, he has nine wins and more than $61,000 in earnings with his career best taken at Springfield as a six-year-old in 1:55.2.

Duncans Ranger is from a very successful maternal family. He is a half brother to millionaire Eagle Luck with a mark of 1:48.3 and now standing at stud. The family also includes Hipnumberone, with a mark of 1:51.1 and more than $200,000 on her card.

Practical Joke gets last laugh in Landess Series

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 04:36:57 GMT

Photo by Dean Gillette

Practical Joke and Trace Tetrick got the last laugh Friday, April 3 in the first round of the Jerry Landess Series. The duo opened up on the field to score the win in 1:54.1, a new career best in their first start of 2026.

Practical Joke began from post two and when the gate opened, he hesitated for a few strides before deciding to move on and go out for the lead. Tetrick had him settled on the front end before the quarter in :28.3 and was ahead of Vel Im Good and Doug Rideout by two lengths. Heading down the backside, Practical Joke had his ears up and was comfortable by the half in :57.4 before seeing any pressure on the outside. Ilikeitlikethat and Brandon Bates led the outer flow into the final turn.

At the head of the stretch, it only took a little urging from Tetrick to signal Practical Joke to advance. He charged down the stretch and opened up to a four and one-quarter length advantage at the wire, pacing home in :27.3. Don’t Cuss Russ and John DeLong closed in for second over Midnight Vodka and Jeff Dever for third.

Practical Joke paid $11.00 for the win. He is owned by Teagan Sage Racing and trained by Tom T. Tetrick. Rocky Road Stable bred and raised the colt, who had two wins last year on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit. He was a $1,000 purchase as a yearling from the Midwest Classic Sale in Shipshewana, the lowest priced foal by Check Six that year.

Check Six stood in Indiana for five seasons before moving to Minnesota in 2024. Practical Joke now has $15,000 in earnings to go along with his new mark of 1:54.1.

In the other division of the Jerry Landess Series, Trace Tetrick guided F Thirty Five to victory after a rough first half. The three-year-old son of JK Endofanera was parked from the outside past the quarter in :28.0 and half in :56.3 before taking control of the front end. He was in full gear down the stretch and paced home in :27.0 for the win in 1:52.4. Bam Bam and Atlee Bender closed in for second over Echo Canyon and John DeLong for third.

F Thirty Five paid $4.80 for the win as the favorite of the field. He is owned by Country Club Acres, Milton Leeman, and William Calvert, all of Ohio. Tyler George trains the gelding, who was bred and raised by Norman Miller. It was his first career start after going unraced at two. He was purchased by his connections as the sixth horse through the ring during the final Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale under the name Machanera from the RND Standardbreds consignment. Tyler George signed the ticket for $18,000 for the colt, who is a half-brother to Samson Blue Chip with a mark of 1:50.4 and earnings of more than $150,000.

Rockin Charli upsets in Miss Windfall Series

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 03:16:41 GMT

Photo of Rockin Charli and LeWayne Miller by Dean Gillette

One of the oldest series in track history got underway Thursday, April 2 and had a surprise winner in the end. The first round of the Miss Windfall series was won by longshot Rockin Charli, driven by LeWayne Miller.

Rockin Charli began from post two and was able to get away in third as race favorite Rita’s Girl and Kyle Wilfong moved out to the lead from the inside spot. Ambehaving and Mike Peterson used early speed to get in behind the leader before the quarter in :27.4.

Rita’s Girl continued to lead the way through the half in :57.3 before horses from the back formed a outer flow of traffic. Rockin Charli remained tucked in third around the final turn. At the head of the lane, Rita’s Girl continued to lead the way. Midway through the stretch, Rockin Charli found room to move out to the center of the track and once she was clear, she took off, rallying past her opponents with authority for the win in 1:56.3. Ambehaving finished four and one-half lengths back in second with Artistic Photo and Atlee Bender finishing third.

Rockin Charli paid $63.80 for the win. The three-year-old daughter of Rockin Image is owned by Eash Racing Stable and trained by Don Eash. She was bred by Daryl Lehman and was sold early in the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale from the 3-D Farms consignment. Don Eash signed the ticket for $8,000.

Rockin Charli is the second foal from the Always B Miki mare, Angiesmiki Hanover. The second dam is 2007 Two-Year-Old Pacing Filly of the Year A And Gs Confusion, a winner of $1.4 million before becoming a successful brood mare. She is the dam of Mohawk Warrior with a mark of 1:49.1 and more than a half million on his card.

Rockin Charli was making her first start of 2026, and it was her second career win in six career starts. The win was also a new lifetime mark for the lightly raced filly, who raced on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit last year.

The second division of the Miss Windfall was won by Mystical Night, driven by Clint Coy. The sophomore daughter of Capt Midnight rallied out to the lead and was a clear winner at the end, winning by five lengths in 1:56.1. Kobe’s Nani and Brandon Bates finished second over Elliana Grace and LeWayne Miller for third.

Mystical Night paid $4.00 for the win. She is owned by Sheila Parcher and trained by Clint Coy. She was sold from the Pond-A-Acres consignment in the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale late in the second session for $15,000. Her second dam is the mother of Illinois standout Mystical Victress with a mark of 1:50 and more than $846,000. It was the first carer win for Mystical Night, who was making her second start of 2026 and her fifth overall.

Gaskin sophomores sweep Carlton Trotting Series

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 02:50:32 GMT

Photo of Inverness Ave and John DeLong by Dean Gillette

Two Indiana trotters from the Ernie Gaskin barn turned in a one-two punch in the first round of the Chad E. Carlton Trotting Series Wednesday, April 1 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The program represented the addition of Wednesday racing to the schedule for pari-mutuel racing in Indiana.

Inverness Ave and John DeLong kicked things off in the first division, beginning their race from post seven. The gelding got away in fourth as Deja Frou and Trace Tetrick settled in on the lead through the quarter in :27.4. No change in the order was detected at the half in :27.4 as Deja Frou opened up a few lengths on the field.

In the final turn, One Mike Out and Clint Coy were leading the charge on the outside and flushed out Inverness Ave. In the stretch, Inverness Ave went right on by and opened up on the field, trotting home in :27.3 to win by four and one-half lengths in a new lifetime mark of 1:56.1. Surf Scoter and LeWayne Miller moved up for second followed by Tuggin Thomas, also a late closer in the race for Marcus Miller.

Inverness Ave was making his first start of 2026. The three-year-old son of Helpisontheway paid $2.80 for the win, coming into the race off a qualifying win. He is owned by Ted Engel, Doug Shore, and Ernie Gaskin Stables. The Bay’s Stable, Polger Holdings, and Little E LLC bred the gelding, who was purchased from the Lexington Select Yearling Sale for $20,000.

In the second division of the Carlton Trotting Series, Gaskin watched as his sophomore filly pulled in a win to sweep the first round of the series for the stable. Dial Nine One One and DeLong went straight to the lead and held their ground the entire way, winning by a length at the wire in 1:56.4. Hot Martini and Trace Tetrick finished second over Passin With a Sigh and Clint Coy rallied up for third.

Dial Nine One One paid $3.40 for the win. Also by Helpisontheway, the filly is owned by Haucks Racing Stables, Wiesman Farms, and Ernie Gaskin Stables. Christina Macri and Gordon Graham of California bred the filly, who was also making her first start of 2026. She was a winner in two of three races last year at two and equaled her career best time in her win in the Carlton Series. She was purchased from the Black Creek Farm consignment, acting as agent for the breeders, from the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale for $15,000. She is a half sister to Remarkable De Vie, a winner of nearly $500,000 while racing in the Delmarva area.

Fruit Snacker throws Open Trot for a loop

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:07:10 GMT

Fruit Snacker throws Open field for a loop

Fruit Snacker and driver Tony Morgan threw their opponents for a loop Tuesday, March 31. The Indiana trotter rallied strong through the wire to score the win in the featured $25,000 Open Handicap Trot.

Fruit Snacker began from post six and used early speed, but not as much as Benjamin Hanover and Tim Tetrick from post three with Indy Be Quick and Russell Foster also vying for the lead. In the first turn, Foster had trouble getting Indy Be Quick to take a seat to Benjamin Hanover and as soon as he did, Fruit Snacker continued to advance. However, he didn’t get to the top spot until after the quarter in :27.3.

The tempo continued to be brisk as Fruit Snacker led the way with several horses from the back of the pack beginning to move out so they could close in on the leader. That group was led by Indiana trotter Duly Resolved, driven by Corey Callahan. At the three-quarters, Fruit Snacker still had control of the lead with Duly Resolved lingering on the outside and Benjamin Hanover getting revved up for the final stages.

In the stretch, Benjamin Hanover moved to the outside of Fruit Snacker and the two trotters rallied together to the wire with Fruit Snacker getting the edge by a nose at the wire in 1:52.4 over Benjamin Hanover. Fellow Indiana sired trotter A Blue Million, driven by Montrell Teague moved in for third.

Fruit Snacker is owned by Mark Howard of Maryland and trained by Willard Reynolds. The four-year-old son of Dover Dan paid $4.20 for his win. Kenneth Slabach bred and raised the gelding, who earned his seventh win of 2026 out of 10 starts. Overall, he is now 18 for 37 with more than $188,000 on his card. His win Tuesday at Dover was a new lifetime mark.

Fruit Snacker began his career at Converse for trainer Nicole Wilfong, posting a win before heading to Harrah’s Hoosier Park and competing in Indiana Sires Stakes action. He moved to the Britney Dillon barn as a three-year-old and was later trained by Robert Taylor before landing in the Reynolds barn last December at Dover. He has now won eight races for his new connections and is on a two-race win streak at Dover. He was initially purchased out of the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale for $10,000 by Nicole and Kyle Wilfong from the Integrity Stables consignment and joined siblings First N Line (1:56.4, $51,000) and Skyway Fusion (1:56.1, $35,000) as winners.

Earlier in the night, Indiana trotter Muscledover and Tim Tetrick turned in a gate to wire effort to win the $25,000 claimer by four and one-quarter lengths in 1:53.4. The seven-year-old son of Dover Dan was a winner over Inferno DK and Corey Callahan and Warrior One driven by Tony Morgan. Sartin Racing owns Muscledover with Chuck Crissman Jr. handling the training duties. He was initially from the Black Creek Farm and Hickory Hollow Stables breeding operation and sold for $20,000 at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale during the Covid 19 session. Jesse DeLong signed the ticket for the gelding, who can be traced back to third dam Missy’s Goal, a Grand Circuit contender and dam of multiple stakes winner Missys Goalfire.

Muscledover now has 24 career wins and more than $265,000 on his card with his career best time of 1:52.1 taken earlier this spring at Dover Downs. He is now six for 10 in 2026.

Aintnothingucando does at Oak Grove

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 03:00:21 GMT

The eighth race Monday, March 30 was full of Indiana sired pacers at Oak Grove. It was a battle down the stretch between several with Aintnothingucando and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. getting the photo at the end in the $25,000 Open 2 Pace.

Aintnothingucando left the gate alongside fellow Indiana pacer Miss Fancy Nancy and they both had the best shot at getting to the lead. Aintnothingucando was on the lead around the first turn and crossed by the quarter in :27.2 with everyone settling in behind her. Bonitas Best Bet and Marvin Luna, a stablemate to Aintnothingucando, was sitting third with Shamwow and Brandon Bates finding the inside in fourth after being parked to the quarter.

Aintnothingucando was able to back off the pace to the half in :56.4 which spurred several horses to the outside. As they began approaching on the outside, Aintnothingucando turned in a big third quarter in :26.3 to try to scoot away from the field to make it difficult to catch up to her.

Around the final turn, Bonitas Best Bet was leading the outer flow with Indiana’s Tarshish and Marcus Miller catching second over cover to the head of the lane. In the stretch, Aintnothingucando was still strong on the front end as Tarshish began closing in. Aintnothingucando was able to hold of all opponents for the win by a nose in 1:51.4, a final quarter in :28.2. Bonitas Best Bet finished second between horses with Tarshish closing in gamely on the outside.

Aintnothingucando paid $6.60 for the win. The four-year-old Odds on Equuleus mare is owned by Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi. Odds on Nourrir bred the mare, who earned her fifth win in 10 starts for 2026 for trainer Ron Burke. Overall, she has 17 career wins and more than $200,000 in earnings. Her win Monday was just a tick off her career best, taken last year at The Red Mile in 1:51.3.

Later in the card, Track Announcer Peter Kleinhans exchanged his binoculars for a set of lines and competed in the $11,000 US Harness Driving Club. Kleinhans drove Holden Steady, trained by Matt Rodriguez in the event, taking the top spot at the quarter in :26.3 before being overtaken by JK’s Shining Star and Adarryl Gates Jr. Nible Ned and Joseph Herschberger became the third leader at the three quarters, parked on the outside of JK’s Shining Star.

In the stretch, JK’s Shining Star hit another gear and moved away from the field, winning by two and three-quarter lengths in 1:56.2. Holden Steady finished second over D A Wicked Shine and Dein Spriggs for third.

JK’s Shining Star paid $6.14 for the win. The eight-year-old daughter of JK Endofanera is owned by Therl Hensley and trained by Randy Crisler. Victory Hill Farm bred the mare, who is from the tough brood mare Bikini Star that includes eight winners in eight foals of racing age, including Rock Shines Again, the undefeated sophomore from the Tyler George barn last year. JK’s Shining Star has more than $300,000 in career earnings with a mark of 1:50.4.

On Line is on time at Cumberland Raceway

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 03:04:07 GMT

On Line is on time Sunday

On Line was right on time for a win Sunday, March 29 at Cumberland Raceway in Maine. The Indiana pacer, driven by Jason Bertolini, rallied home in the stretch to win by three-quarters of a length in 2:02.2 in the $4,000 Track Master event.

The field was reduced to five starters and that is how they got away from the gate. Fellow Indiana sired Jet Wills took over the top spot from post one for Kevin Switzer Jr. and the rest of the field got in single file behind him. Fractions of :30.0, 1:02.0 and 1:32.1 were placed on the board before Maching Time and Nicholas Graffam moved to the outside in first over fashion. On Line followed him out around the final turn and was in a prime spot to advance on the far outside when the field turned for home.

In the stretch, Bertolini used a hand drive to encourage On Line to the wire, pacing home in :29.4 for the win over Maching Time. Terror Hall and Wallace Watson finished third.

On Line paid $15.40 for the win. The five-year-old son of Shadyshark Hanover is owned and trained by Bertolini. Stanley Miller bred the gelding, who began his career at Harrah’s Hoosier Park for trainer Henry Graber Jr. He moved to the East Coast as a three-year-old and eventually made his way to Maine, where Bertolini has had him for the past year. On Line was making his first start of 2026 and made it a winning effort. Overall, he now has five career wins with nearly $50,000 on his card. He took his career best time of 1:54.4 last year at Rosecroft Raceway.

Earlier in the program, Indiana pacer Vel Larry turned in a gate to wire effort to score a win in claiming action. Guided by McGwire Sowers, the seven-year-old son of He’s Gorgeous was a comfortable winner by nearly three lengths in 1:56.2. Rau Ru and Kevin Switzer Jr. finished second over Mornin Captain and Walter Case Jr. for third.

Vel Larry paid $7.80 for the win. The Alvin Schwartz-bred gelding is out of the former Indiana Sires Stakes contender EJ’s Copperstone, who earned a mark of 1:52.2 and made nearly $350,000. Vel Larry has been with his current connections since the fall of his three-year-old season. To date, he has 15 wins from 148 starts and nearly $100,000 on his card. His career best time of 1:53.2 was taken as a five-year-old at The Meadowlands. Christopher Dubois trains Vel Larry, who is one of 10 foals from EJ’s Copperstone, all of which have raced. The family includes Sweet Rockin Gia, a winner in 1:51.4 with more than $160,000 and last year’s ISFC contender Vel Wat A longshot, who took a mark of 1:55.0.

Crooked Smile makes 2026 debut

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:01:46 GMT

Indiana veteran pacers battle to the wire

Two Indiana heavy hitters battled it out in qualifying action Saturday, March 28 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Crooked Smile and M-M-s Bud made their 2026 debuts to finish one-two in the 1:53.2 warmup for their return to racing.

Crooked Smile and Jordan Ross and M-M-s Bud and John DeLong began side by side at the start. M-M-s Bud decided on a spot along the inside as Crooked Smile moved onto the lead. The veteran pacer crossed over to the lead heading into the first turn over Thiago Hanover and Kyle Wilfong. Shooting in Place and Anthony Miller were third with M-M-s Bud in fourth through the first quarter in :28.4. There was no change to the half in :58.4 before the pace picked up.

Midway through the final turn, M-M-s Bud was brought to the outside by DeLong and shot past his opponents like a bullet. At the head of the lane, he was even with Crooked Smile and the two began the stretch drive. Both pacers kicked into gear and finished together with Crooked Smile getting the edge by a neck over M-M-s Bud. Crooked Smile came home in :26.0 while M-M-s Bud paced his final panel in :25.3. Shooting in Place, who came home in :25.4, finished third. Every horse in the race paced their final quarter in :26.0 or quicker.

Crooked Smile, now nine, is owned by Wilson Racing Stable and Turn For Home Racing. Ellis Bryant bred the Panther Hanover gelding, who is trained by Tim Wilson Jr. The one time conditioned claimer was acquired by Wilson as a three-year-old. He enters this season with 39 career wins from 174 starts with more than $615,000 on his card. His career best time of 1:48.4 was taken last year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

M-M-s Bud, who hails from the Alvin Miller barn, enters his five-year-old season with 10 wins from 53 starts and earnings of more than $300,000. His career best time of 1:49.1 was taken last year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The Tellitlikeitis gelding is owned by Ted Comerford, Marvin Schwartz, and Miller.

Also a winner on the qualifying program was CS Flying Co-Pilot, driven by Anthony Miller. The five-year-old son of Pilot Discretion moved in the second half and took over in the stretch, trotting home in :27.1 for the win in 1:57.0. Kid Tyler and Trace Tetrick finished second over Maga Hill and Kyle Wilfong.

CS Flying Co-Pilot, a former Indiana Sired Fair Circuit contender, is owned by Flying Eagle Stable and Darin Miller. Robert Wyman trains the gelding, who already has three starts this year. Overall, he is a 15-time winner and has earnings of more than $279,000. His career best time of 1:53.4 was taken last year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Golden Notes hits a winning chord in debut

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 03:35:01 GMT

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Golden Notes got on the winning path Friday, March 27 in her very first start in the first round of the Mya Tri Series. The late closer is named in honor of a former Indiana champion trained by Walter Haynes Jr. that only lost one race as a two and three-year-old, completing her career in 2009 with a 21 win tally from 26 career starts and more than $278,000, a bankroll that was collected prior to escalated stakes money in the Hoosier State.

Golden Notes began her career like a pro for driver Kyle Wilfong. She prepped for her first start off two qualifiers, winning the most recent one. When the gate sprung open, Golden Notes trotted out from post three and settled in third behind Soooo Charmin and Logan Loney and Preciate Yall and Atlee Bender. Soooo Charmin led the way through the quarter in :27.4 and half in :58.0 before Ponda Perfect and LeWayne Miller moved to the outside, flushing Golden Notes out in first over fashion around the final turn.

At the top of the stretch, Golden Notes had reached the lead and trotted home in :28.0 for the open length win in 1:57.3, a new lifetime best. Preciate Yall finished three and three-quarter lengths back in second followed by Ponda Perfect in third.

Golden Notes was the favorite, paying $3.60 for the win. The sophomore daughter of Fiftydallarbill is owned by Homer Hochstetler, Robert Buddig, and Allen Schwartz. John Barnard, owner of Fiftydallarbill, is the breeder on the filly, who was unraced last year as a two-year-old. Connie Hochstetler signed the ticket for Golden Notes at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale. The filly was purchased for $40,000 from the Chapel Ridge Farm consignment, serving as agent for Buckstone Farm in Paris, Ky., the farm that raised her. Jay Hochstetler is the trainer of the filly.

Golden Notes is the daughter of Golden Tab, a daughter of Mr Cantab who has one other winner, a full sister to Golden Notes named Fiftydallar Tab with a mark of 1:55.1 and more than $63,000 in earnings. The family has a two-year-old this year, also by Fiftydallarbill, named Gold Currency, and an unnamed filly, also by Fiftydallarbill, who is a yearling this year.

In the other division of the Mya Tri Series, K-lyn and LeWayne Miller made it a near gate to wire effort, taking over after the quarter in :28.2. The Helpisontheway sophomore filly held steady all the way to the wire for the win in 1:59.3, a final quarter trotted in :27.4. Whip It and Joey Putnam finished second over Meadowbrook Dora and Mike Peterson for third.

K-lyn paid $4.80 for the win. Also trained by Miller, she is owned by Derek Lehman and was bred by Mervin Lehman, Orla Bontrager, John Lengacher Jr., and Black Creek Farm. She brought $40,000 through the sales ring at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale, selling late on the second day of the sale. She is a full sister to Indiana Sires Stakes champion Naturdays and ISFC contender Muscle Dan.

Photo of Golden Notes by Dean Gillette

Swan for the Win at Harrah's Hoosier Park

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 02:59:54 GMT

Indiana trotter wins seasonal debut

It was a wild night of weather Thursday, March 26 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park and it was a wild finish in the conditioned claiming trot. Swan for the Win crossed the wire as the first big Hoosier winner on the night followed by a Sweet 16 win by the Purdue Boilermakers.

Starting from post nine, Driver LeWayne Miller floated out of the gate with Swan for the Win, but had no intentions of heading to the lead, opting to find a spot in mid pack as Chromys Rocket and John DeLong shot out to the lead. The chestnut trotter was on top by five at the quarter in :28.0 and backed the tempo down a notch to the half in :57.0 as the field was spread out behind him down the backstretch. Race favorite Lous Transportor and Marcus Miller were sitting in second heading into the final turn, and was still nine lengths off Chromys Rocket. Swan for the win was still more than 10 lengths off the leader heading into the final turn.

Midway through the turn, Lous Transportor went off stride as the remainder of the field began to vie for position. Swan for the Win was on the outside and was advancing slowly before the top of the stretch. In the stretch, Chronys Rocket switched over to the pace for a few strides and eventually went off stride, opening up the lead to whomever could get there. Swan for the Win was on point and rallied up to take over, pulling away to a four and one-quarter length advantage at the wire in 1:58.3, a final quarter trotted in :29.4. Momsshowgirl and Atlee Bender closed for second over Touch of Ability and Brad Ferguson for third.

Swan for the Win paid $11.40 for the win. The four-year-old daughter of Swan for All is owned by First Hillside Stables of Ohio and trained by Jerry Schwartz. John Barnard is the breeder on the mare, who was making her first start of 2026. It was her second trip to the winner’s circle in her career with her win last year in 1:57.2 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park remaining as her quickest. She topped the $25,000 mark in her seasonal debut.

Swan for the Win was part of the Chapel Ridge Farm consignment at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale, but was withdrawn before the event and did not sell. She is a recent acquisition by her current connections. She is out of the American Winner mare Winning Double, who has a mark of 1:52.3 with $136,000 on her card. She is also a half sister to the tough Call Me Dani, a winner in 1:52.4 with more than $320,000 on her card and still racing. Winning Double now has five foals, all fillies and all starters with four winners.

Also a winner on the shortened card was JK’s Time to Shine in the pacing version of the conditioned claimer. The three-year-old JK Endofanera filly moved out from post eight for Kevin Lambright and continued to pursue the top, achieving her goal after the quarter in :27.2. From there, she maintained control of the tempo and rallied home to her second straight win in 1:56.3, a half length ahead of Be Fearless and John DeLong. Absolutely Real and Trace Tetrick finished third.

A recent acquisition by Elite Five Racing at the beginning of 2026, JK’s Time to Shine paid $8.60 for the win. She is now two for four in 2026 and earned a new career best in her win Thursday. Harry Miller trains the filly, who is a product of Victory Hill Farm and the latest foal from Meetme At Harveys, who is a 100 percent producer of four racehorses, three of which are still racing.

A severe storm blew into the Harrah’s Hoosier Park area and cut the program short after JK’s Time to Shine’s win in the fifth race. Racing returns Friday, March 27 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Buzzsaw Russ returns with qualifying win

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 03:15:22 GMT

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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.

Odds on Lil Rocker scores new lifetime mark

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 03:39:47 GMT

Indiana pacer now two for three in 2026

Odds on Lil Rocker and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. teamed up for a win Tuesday, March 24 at Oak Grove. The Indiana sophomore rallied to an open length victory in 1:53.3, his second win of 2026 in three starts.

Odds on Lil Rocker left the gate with some speed and was able to slip into the three hole as Perfect Stranger and Andy Shetler occupied the top spot in the first turn. Fox Valley Endzone and Wyatt Avenatti held their position from the rail behind Perfect Stranger. Before the quarter, Odds on Lil Rocker moved to the outside and appeared to consider a move forward but dropped back in at the quarter in :27.2.

Heading to the half in :55.4, the field was in single file behind Perfect Stranger. Odds on Lil Rocker decided it was time to move and slipped to the outside before the three-quarters in 1:24.4. Once he was out, it took some urging for him to hit another gear, but he never backed down. At the head of the lane, he finally shook loose of the field and paced home in :28.4 for the win by five and three-quarter lengths in 1:53.3, a new lifetime mark. Fox Valley Endzone finished second with Mystery Lady and Matt Krueger closing in for third.

Odds on Lil Rocker paid $2.30 for the win. It was his third start of 2026 and his second win with three wins overall. The son of Rockin Image is now over the $30,000 mark in earnings for trainer Melanie Wrenn. Odds on Racing owns the gelding, who was bred and raised by Bottom Line Racing and Leander Schwartz. He is out of a sister to Odds on Osiris, former Indiana champion with more than $800,000 in earnings for the Wrenn Stable.

Another Indiana pacer scored a win on the Tuesday card at Oak Grove as My House and Andy Shetler took over in the second half and rallied out to a seven and one-quarter length win at the wire in 1:52.3. Sherocks Sherolls A and Atlee Bender finished second over Bozak and Jamaal Denson for third.

My House paid $4.54 for the win. The nine-year-old son of Rockin Image is owned by Janie Hartley and trained by Andy Shetler. Duane Miller bred the veteran pacer, who now has 34 career wins. Overall, he has accumulated $341,000 in earnings and took his career best time of 1:48.3 as a four-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. He has won under the 1:50 time barrier three times during his career.

Tell's Super Star shines at Miami Valley

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 03:27:41 GMT

Indiana gelding nearing $100,000

Tell’s Super Star turned in a big final quarter in his race Monday, March 23 at Miami Valley Raceway. The Indiana sired gelding earned his first win of the season, scoring a big payout for his backers.

Tell’s Super Star and Trevor Smith wanted no part of the early speed when the gate folded. Smith took a big hold of Tell’s Super Star and went to almost the back of the pack as a group of horses left seeking the top spot, including fellow Indiana sired Checkers Legacy, driven by Josiah Miller. Whatchagonnado and Chris Page were the heavy favorites and picked up the top spot before the quarter in :27.3, but were overtaken by Don’t Tell Rosa and Cameron McCown just after the quarter pole. Several horses were left on the outside including Rockinpoppin and David Miller and Checkers Legacy. Rockinpoppin cleared the top spot down the backstretch the second time, which moved Checkers Legacy up on the outside.

Heading into the final turn, Sinatra Hanover had moved out and picked up cover behind Checkers Legacy, and Tell’s Super Star also moved to the outside. When Checkers Legacy appeared stalled, Sinatra Hanover moved three wide in the final turn, and so did Tell’s Super Star.

At the head of the lane, Tell’s Super Star had tipped off Sinatra Hanover and was widest of all, hoping to catch the Rockinpoppin. The Indiana gelding hit another gear and rallied past all his rivals to score the win by three-quarters of a length in 1:52.4. Rockinpoppin finished second with Checkers Legacy rounding out the trifecta.

Tell’s Super Star paid $108.40 for the win. The five-year-old son of Tellitlikeitis is owned by Therl Hensley and trained by Gerald Miller. The gelding is a product of Victory Hill Farm’s standout broodmare Bikini Star, who is the mother of numerous standout racehorses, including last year’s Rock Shines Again, undefeated three-year-old who earned year-end honors in Indiana. Tell’s Super Star nearly equaled his career best time in the effort and moved him closer to the $100,000 mark in earnings. It was his seventh career win.

Earlier in the night, another Indiana pacer found his way to the winner’s circle in the starter allowance. Tabooma and Tyler Smith turned in a gate to wire effort to score the win in 1:53.3 over Peppermint Man and Parker Smith. Nassau Desire and Chris Page finished third.

Tabooma paid $12.00 for the win. The eight-year-old son of Always a Virgin is owned by S & S Racing Stable and trained by Daniel Stone. Walter Fister of Kentucky bred the gelding, who now has 18 career wins and more than $200,000 in earnings. His career best time of 1:49.4 was taken as a five-year-old at Miami Valley Raceway.

Photo of Tell's Super Star by Conrad Photography

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:57:21 GMT

Foaling Season underway

Nearly 100 foals have been registered thus far during the 2026 foaling season in Indiana. The Indiana Standardbred Breed Development has 97 names on their register as of St. Patrick’s Day Tuesday, March 17, all of which are Indiana sired and bred.

A foal that pops out on the first page of the listing for foals registered so far includes a Rockin Image colt from the mare Bikini Star. The colt was born January 27 and is the latest in a line of standouts from Bikini Star. She is a 100 percent producer from eight foals of racing age, and sends out a two-year-old colt named Tells Shootingstar, who is a two-year-old in 2026. Tells Shootingstar sold from the Victory Hill Farm consignment last fall in the inaugural Midwest Standardbred Horse Sale to Jack Freeman for $40,000. The Tellitlikeitis colt seeks to join older siblings Rock’s Shining Star (1:48.2, $335,000), JK’s Shining Star (1:50.4, $349,000) and Rock Shines Again (1:48.4, $329,000), last year’s undefeated Sires Stakes champion.

On the trotting side, Foxy Swan has a new foal on the ground. The filly, born January 30, is by Rebuff. Foxy Swan, a former champion in Indiana, has already produced Tarzan (1:53.2, $207,000) and Meadowbrook Mark (1:54.3, $117,000). The filly born this year is her first foal since 2023.

Ponda Help, the half sister to Ponda Title (1:55, $483,000), had her first foal January 28. She had a filly by Muscle Massive hoping to pass on her strong maternal line to her foals in the brood mare ranks.

For a full listing of foals registered with the Indiana Breed Development, go to their website at hrc.in.gov.

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 02:23:50 GMT

Two in a row for Indiana mare

Premier Mayflower and Dan Noble set sail Saturday, March 21 for another win in 2026, pairing the victory with a win at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in her previous outing. The win kicked off the Saturday card at Northfield Park during an all-female lineup for the program.

Premier Mayflower began from post two and used just enough speed to get in front of Kit Kak and Justin Irvine. However, it was Gotstopaymeinpapa and Aaron Merriman who made the biggest splash at the start. The duo crossed over quickly and was in the lead spot before the field reached the first turn, continuing a quick tempo past the quarter in :28.0. Premier Mayflower was right on her back with a big gap back to the remainder of the field.

The pack did tighten up heading to the half with Vel Who Said and John Ciocca Jr. stuck on the outside. The duo came up to sit on the outside of Premier Mayflower through the half in :57.2 and to the three-quarters in 1:26.2 before fading. This gave Premier Mayflower the perfect opportunity to move to the outside in the final turn.

Once the field was in the stretch, Premier Mayflower went right on by Gotstopaymeinpapa and sailed under the wire in 1:55.1, a new lifetime mark. Gotstopaymeinpapa finished a length back in second with several lengths back to Sweet Lake and Anthony MacDonald in third.

Premier Mayflower paid $3.60 for the win. The four-year-old daughter of Capt Midnight is owned by Buckeye Stables and trained by Mike Wilson. Dennis Bontrager bred the mare, who is a former contender on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit for trainer Justin White.

Premier Mayflower now has seven wins and more than $30,000 in earnings. She was initially a $4,000 purchase from the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale as the second foal from the Dragon Again mare Bella Girl Hanover, who is from the tough family out of Bikini Hanover that includes Boca Hanover (1:51.1, $526,000) and Brissonte Hanover, the dam of Blush Hanover (1:51.3, $446,000).

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 23:28:58 GMT

Sheisatomboy strong in Rosie Harness Memorial

The Rosie Harness Memorial is named in honor of a former trainer-owner in Indiana who left the racing world too soon due to a car accident. It’s only fitting that a filly with a lot of potential won the race Friday, March 20 in the race named after Harness. Sheisatomboy and Jeff Dever soared home for the win in the event at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Sheisatomboy began from post four and was accompanied by Rita’s Girl and Kyle Wilfong out of the gate headed to the lead. Rita’s Girl had the edge on Sheisatomboy going into the first turn, giving Sheisatomboy the spot right at the back of Rita’s Girl through the first quarter in :27.3. The Indiana filly had a big hold on Dever heading to the half in :31.1 before the tempo picked up around the final turn. Dever kept Sheisatomboy in behind Rita’s Girl until the top of the stretch and when she came out of the hole, her ears were pinned and she was all business.

Sheisatomboy moved out to the lead and had a good jump on the field. Mystical Night and Clint Coy were charging hard from the back of the pack but they could not reach Sheisatomboy in time, who earned the win in 1:55.2, a new lifetime mark. Mystical Night was second over Kobe’s Nani and Brandon Bates, who won the battle for third in a tight photo with Rita’s Girl.

Sheisatomboy was a surprise winner, paying $26.00 for the win. The Tellitlikeitis three-year-old was making her first start of 2026 after limited starts last year on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit. She is a home bred filly owned by Al, Brackton, and Ryan Miller with Dever Racing Stable also owning a portion of the filly. It was her third career win as she kicks off her 2026 racing season for the Millers, who purchased her mother Kendyl, a six figure earner, in 2020 to add to their breeding operation.

The Millers have been longtime participants in racing in the state of Indiana. Hailing from Middlebury, Ryan and his son, Brackton, now own and operate an apparel and gift company called Prime Promotions. They provide numerous shirts, pens, and other items for racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis each year. The Miller family has had several previous Indiana champions, most recently the trotter Naturdays, who made more than $350,000 as an Indiana Sires Stakes winner.

Earlier in the night, Kousin Karl and Trace Tetrick were gate to wire winners in the Donnie Conrad Memorial trot. The Dover Dan three-year-old trotted home in :28.1 for the win in 1:57.0, finishing a length and a quarter ahead of One Mike Out and Clint Coy. Help or Hinder and Doug Rideout finished third.

Trained by Rick Macomber, Kousin Karl paid $10.20 for the win. He is owned by M & M Racing, Macomber Racing, and Doug Overhiser. Lyle Slabach bred and raised the gelding, who earned his first career win in his second career start Friday at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:54:14 GMT

JK’s Time to Shine seizes the moment

JK’s Time to Shine took advantage of his turn in the spotlight. The Indiana pacer was strong at the start and strong at the finish to score the win in 1:56.3 with driver Trace Tetrick in the bike Thursday, March 19 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

JK’s Time to Shine began from post six and as soon as the gate opened, she took off for the lead. She was joined by Secret Seduction and Jordan Ross on the outside with Valley Star and Brandon Bates joining them on the inside. The trio of horses went into the first turn together with Secret Seduction three wide before JK’s Time to Shine finally got by Valley Star in the top spot. Secret Seduction continued on and took over after the quarter in :27.4.

As the field neared the half, the earplugs were popped on JK’s Time to Shine and she went out and around Secret Seduction to lead the way through the half in :57.2. The outer flow was on the move in the final turn led by Boca Chica and Marcus Miller.

In the stretch, JK’s Time to Shine held strong on the front. Horses were preparing to attack from all sides and the late closers were kicking in as well. In the final stages, it was Always a Desire and Kyle Wilfong who posed the biggest threat to JK’s Time to Shine but she was able to defend her position for the win, just a neck ahead of Always a Desire. Secret Seduction finished third.

JK’s Time to Shine paid $21.60, a rare sighting to see a horse driven by Indiana’s all-time leading driver pay double digits. The sophomore daughter of JK Endofanera is owned by Elite Five Racing and trained by Harry Miller. Victory Hill Farm bred and raised the mare, who earned her first career win in the effort. She was a $9,000 purchase from the final Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale and is a sister to Tells Victory. The maternal line can be traced back to millionaire Ticket to Rock as well as Miss Scarlett, who earned a half million before becoming a brood mare.

Another double digit winner on the Thursday, March 19 racing program was Surf Scoter, driven by LeWayne Miller. The four-year-old son of Don’t Let’Em sat along the inside early before being flushed out first over. He dug in gamely in the stretch and finally wore down Sweetie Hill and Brandon Bates for the win by a nose in 1:57.1. Dontcallmeangel and Joel Smith finished third.

Surf Scoter paid $15.00 for the win. Owned by Eash Racing Stable, the gelding competed on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit last year and was the winner of the three-year-old Elite at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Surf Scoter earned his first win of 2026 in his race Thursday at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 01:05:25 GMT

A Blue Million turns win into green at Dover

A Blue Million turned in a strong performance and provided his backers with a lot of green Tuesday, March 17 at Dover Downs. Guided by Montrell Teague, the Indiana trotter scored an upset in the featured $25,000 Open Handicap.

Starting from post one gave A Blue Million an opportunity to save ground out of the gate. He had a little speed but it wasn’t as much as Duly Resolved and Corey Callahan and Fruit Snacker and driver Tony Morgan. Duly Resolved claimed the top spot with Fruit Snacker finally crossing over to the lead after the quarter in :27.4. Last Glow and Jack Parker Jr. were hung on the outside and Parker went to work on Last Glow to get him to the top and final take over at the half in :55.3. This left Benjamin Hanover and Tim Tetrick then hung on the outside down the backstretch the second time.

A lot was going on as Duly Resolved was not advancing as quickly as the trailing horses wanted. Benjamin Hanover flipped three wide, which gave A Blue Million the opportunity to move up the inside after being shuffled back to sixth. In the final turn, Last Glow was still leading the way with Fruit Snacker setting on his outside before he went off stride. Morgan had to chase him forward before he could get clear of horses and get him to the outside. All this time, A Blue Million was right in position for the attack behind Last Glow.

As soon as the open stretch arrived, A Blue Million moved up the inside and was able to trot home in :28.4 for the win by one length over Last Glow. Duly Resolved finished third in the 1:54.1 mile.

A Blue Million paid $34.00 for the win. The five-year-old son of Swan in a Million is still owned in Indiana by Stephen Stoll and Nathan Yoder. The home bred was bred and raised by Roman Stoll. Tim Crissman trains the gelding, who has five wins in eight starts for 2026. Overall, he has won 20 races with earnings of more than $220,000. He took his career mark of 1:53.1 in his previous win at Dover.

A Blue Million started off on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit under the direction of Leander Schwartz. After racing in Ohio last year, he moved into the Crissman barn and has won seven races since the transfer. His win in the Open at Dover was his third in that class already this year.

Earlier in the night, Indiana trotter Apple Fritter and Russell Foster were winners in the $12,500 claiming trot. The duo posted a gate to wire effort, fending off a late charge by Jack N Abs and Tim Tetrick to win by a head at the wire in 1:57.4. Swans Cash Prise and Vince Copeland made it two Indiana sired trotters in the top three.

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:23:58 GMT

Veteran pacer Clever Character scores first win of 2026

Clever Character is not slowing down. The now nine-year-old Indiana pacer earned his first win of 2026 Monday, March 16 in the $6,000 starter allowance to get into the victory column for the year.

Guided by Luke Hanners, Clever Character laid off the early charge to the lead as Mister Spot A and Brett Miller left from the center of the pack tracked closely by Indiana sired Nassau Desire and Chris Page from the outside. Once Mister Spot A had cleared to the front, Nassau Desire took over at the quarter in :28.4. But the field was not settled along the inside as Sip and a Bite and Sam Widger were outside and rolling up at the half in :58.0. This prompted Clever Character to pick up the cover and follow in second over through the middle stages of the race.

Around the final turn, Clever Character flipped three wide to get closer to the leader. In the stretch he was in a full battle with Mister Spot A and the two horses matched each other’s energy all the way to the wire with Clever Character getting the edge by a half length in 1:57.1. Mister Spot A was a clear second followed by Nassau Desire who held his ground for third.

Clever Character paid $6.60 for the win. The Tellitlikeitis veteran is owned and trained by Jessica Markle of Ohio, who has owned him for the past year and a half. Freedom Hill Farms bred the gelding, who earned his 34th career win and pushed his earnings a little more over the half-million-dollar mark. His career best time of 1:49.4 was taken as a three-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. He started out under the direction of Trainer Tim Smith and was an Indiana Sires Stakes winner as a two and three-year-old, winning the $270,000 Super Final at three for trainer Ron Burke, who acquired him during his three-year-old season. Clever Character is one of seven racehorses out of nine from his dam, Ruby Delight. All seven have marks with John Jay and Dali Delight both having six figures on their card. Clever Character is the richest and the quickest from the family.

Later on the Monday card, Intrepid Ivy scored a near gate to wire win in the $12,500 conditioned pace. Driven by Marc St Louis Jr., the 10-year-old son of Always a Virgin fought hard in the lane to fend off challengers, hanging on to the win by a nec over Big Booty Rudy and Luke Hanners in 1:55.1. Keepin It Lit and David Miller finished third.

Intrepid Ivy paid $4.40 for the win. He is owned by Stephen Bateson and trained by Stacey Currie. Paul Webb and the late Bill Huggins bred the gelding, who earned his third win of the year. Overall, he has 27 wins and more than $389,000 in earnings. His career best time of 1:49.1 was taken last year at Scioto Downs. Intrepid Ivy also comes from a strong maternal family with 10 winners from 13 horses of racing age. The family includes It’s a Miracle (1:51, $477,000) and Always a Miracle (1:51.4, $122,000) and is from the uber talented Illinois bred second dam Fox Valley Godiva, who is the dam of Indiana Sires Stakes champion Valley Electric, winner in 1:51.0 and nearly $800,000 in the early 2000s.

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 02:37:55 GMT

Regal Escape, with driver Luke Hanners, scored his second win of 2026

Regal Escape and Luke Hanners turned a perfect trip into a victory Sunday, March 15 at Miami Valley Raceway. The Indiana pacer rallied home as the winner in the $22,500 upper conditioned pace in a time of 1:52.2 with summer like conditions and wind.

Starting from post two, Regal Escape left the gate just enough to get the first lead before being taken over by Wicked Character and Chris Page at the quarter in :26.4. The tempo slowed down to the half in :56.1 before picking back up heading to the three-quarters with Trip Hammer and Trace Tetrick leading the way first over.

In the final turn, the field was tightening up and Regal Escape was itching to get out from behind Wicked Character. That opportunity arrived in the stretch, and he began to move forward. However, Wicked Character was not going to give in easily. The two horses battled all the way to the wire with Regal Escape getting the edge at the wire by a nose. Trip Hammer finished third.

Regal Escape paid $6.40 for the win. The 10-year-old son of Real Desire is trained by Daniel Stone for owners S & S Racing Stable. Dr. Keith Hollendonner bred the gelding, who has been a warrior every year he’s been on the track. To date, he has 35 wins and more than $300,000, earning it bit by bit along the way. He has raced mainly in Ohio in the past three years but has made a journey to the East Coast also. His career best time of 1:49.1 was taken last year at Scioto Downs. He already has two wins this season. Regal Escape is the final foal from the Artiscape mare Beach Escape and is a full brother to Cantescapemydesire, a winner in 1:51 with more than $240,000 on his card.

Earlier in the card, Lets Go Jude and Trevor Smith moved up first over and battled their way to the wire to score the win by one and three-quarter lengths in 1:53.0. Guns Blazin and Cameron McCown finished second over On Dayboo and Brett Miller for third.

Lets Go Jude paid $7.80 for the win. The six-year-old son of JK Endofanera is owned by Carlo Racing and trained by AJ Carlo. Lavon Miller is the breeder on Lets Go Jude, who hasn’t finished worse than second all season in seven starts. He has three wins and 16 overall with $142,000 in earnings. His career b est time of 1:52 was taken last year as a five-year-old at Dayton Raceway.

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:35:49 GMT

Ponda Jet made his 2026 debut in a big way during qualifiers

Ponda Jet made his 2026 debut Saturday, March 14 in qualifying action at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The trotting track record holder in Indiana, with a time of 1:50.0 set in 2024, was on auto pilot the entire mile, which turned out to be a training mile with a starting gate rather than a qualifier.

Ponda Jet and Kyle Wilfong began from post six and when the gates wings were folding, Ponda Jet zoomed out. That was the last time the field got a glimpse of him as they headed into the first turn. Ponda Jet leisurely passed the first quarter in :29.1 and extended his lead to 10 at the half in :58.2 for a perfect rated first half. Nighthawk Zette and LeWayne Miller led the rest of the field down the backstretch and into the final turn.

When Ponda Jet was at the head of the lane, he was on top by 12 which quickly turned into 15 lengths. Wilfong let him out a notch and he effortlessly turned in a final quarter of :27.3 to win in 1:54.4 by 18 and one-quarter lengths. Nighthawk Zette, the three-year-old who was also making his 2026 debut and had traveled in second the entire mile, finished second a half length ahead of Cara Donna T and Marcus Miller.

Ponda Jet comes into his six-year-old season with 34 career wins and more than $779,000 in earnings. Jay Hochstetler has trained him his entire career and he was purchased out of the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale by Jay’s mother, Connie Hochstetler, Robert Buddig, and Allen Schwartz. Jay has definitely inherited his skills as a trainer, especially with trotters, from his father, Homer, and his grandfather, the late Doug Ackerman, who had numerous Grand Circuit and year-end champions during his stellar career.

Ponda Jet was purchased for $40,000 with Homer signing the ticket. The Dover Dan gelding is the second foal from the mare Pondas Lucky Lady, who was a sister to several black type racehorses with six figures on their card. The third dam is the mother of the great ABC Easter, who was a top contender in the Indiana Sires Stakes during her racing career and earned nearly $350,000. Ponda Jet has a younger sister, Ponda Fashion, who took a mark of 1:53.3 last season and made $119,000 for the Hochstetler barn.

Matching Ponda Jet’s effort on the card was another trotter from the Hochstetler barn as General Grant and Wilfong turned in a similar mile in their qualifier, winning gate to wire by 11 and three-quarter lengths in 1:54.4, a final quarter in :28.1. Elan Hanover and Atlee Bender finished second over Bluebird Yoshi and Jordan Ross for third.

A four-year-old son of Fiftydallarbill, General Grant is owned by Serenity Racing Stables of Ohio. He was bred and raised by Leon Lehman. A recent acquisition by his connections, the gelding has two wins already this year in Ohio with seven wins overall. He was just a tick off his career best win of 1:54.3 taken earlier this year at Miami Valley.

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 23:46:03 GMT

Tellmeaboutit closing in on one million

Tellmeaboutit earned his first win of 2026 Friday, March 13 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The now 10-year-old standout Indiana pacer rallied home in 1:54.0 for the win with Trace Tetrick at the controls in the $7,000 conditioned pace.

Tellmeaboutit began from post three and showed the most speed, reaching the top spot before the first turn arrived. ER Rookie also left the gate seeking a spot near the top, but when there were no holes, he moved onto the lead, taking over after the quarter in :26.4. Joker Rockwell and John DeLong were on the move on the outside from the back of the pack when ER Rookie went by the half in :56.4. Tellmeaboutit was right on his heels heading into the final turn as Joker Rockwell continued to move up on the outside.

When the field hit the stretch, ER Rookie was holding strong on the inside. Tellmeaboutit moved to the inside and began to inch up on the leader. Joker Rockwell held his ground on the outside. As the wire neared, Tellmeaboutit separated himself from the field to score the win in 1:54.0. ER Rookie was second followed by Joker Rockwell.

Tellmeaboutit paid $3.40 as the favorite of the field. The son of Tellitlikeitis is owned by Twila Harts and Alvin Miller. He has been part of the Miller barn since his first season of racing as a two-year-old. To date, he has 38 career wins and is closing in on $1 million in earnings, now less than $10,000 away from hitting that mark. His career best time of 1:47.4 was taken at the age of six at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. He has paced under the 1:50 time barrier six of his eight years on the track. He was purchased by Harts and Miller for $25,000 out of the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale from the In Law Stables consignment.

Earlier in the night, Late Nite Hawk and Jordan Ross turned in a near gate to wire effort, taking over the top spot after the quarter in the conditioned pace. After grabbing modest middle quarters, he turned up the tempo in the stretch and rallied home to a four and one-quarter length win in 1:56.2, a final quarter in :28.3. Latin Lover and Marcus Miller finished second over Dashing Danny and Atlee Bender.

Late Nite Hawk paid $3.80 for the win. The seven-year-old son of Dover Dan is owned by Brett Wilfong and Goose Island Stable. Wilfong trains the veteran trotter, who was bred by Merle Yoder. It was his first win of 2026 and his 21st overall. His earnings are now over the $300,000 mark with his career best time of 1:51.1 taken as a four-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:32:25 GMT

Asifbycue right on time in upset win

A high wind warning for Harrah’s Hoosier Park didn’t stop the action on the track Thursday, March 12 with Asifbycue and John DeLong pulling in a surprising upset in the second race of the night. The duo rallied home for the win in the $10,000 conditioned claiming event in a time of 1:57.2

Asifbycue began from post eight and left seeking the lead with Ponda Swan and Kyle Wilfong to their outside accompanying them to the lead. Heading into the first turn, Asifbycue slid over to the top spot with Ponda Swan continuing on the outside and taking over at the quarter in :27.4. From there, the field faced a strong head wind down the backside and the tempo slowed down. Dazzling Moni and LeWayne Miller were on the move from the back of the pack and joined Ponda Swan on.t the lead midway through the race in :58.0. Asifbycue had a huge hold on DeLong heading into the final turn.

Ponda Swan was able to maintain her position on the lead coming into the stretch. As Dazzling Moni began to tire, it gave Asifbycue the perfect opportunity to slip to the outside and rally past Ponda Swan. She was on top of the field by several lengths and had her ears pinned back and was all business. She looked to be a clear winner. That’s when Sweetie Hill and Brandon Bates, another long shot in the field, began to rally on the outside from the back of the pack. Both mares were in full stride when they hit the wire with Asifbycue getting the edge by a head over Sweetie Hill. Mr Blutos Express and Trace Tetrick finished third.

Asifbycue was the second longest shot on the board, paying $63.60 for the win. It’s the first time in a very long time a horse driven by John DeLong has paid that much at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Sweetie Hill paid $33.20 for place, returning a $21,566.50 payout for the Exacta. There were no winning tickets in the Superfecta.

Asifbycue is owned by Trent Stohler Stable, Ben and Tim Graber, and John Grubich. Stohler trains the four-year-old Swan for All mare, who was bred by Bob and Lynda Stewart in Kentucky. It was her first win of the year after winning five races last year as a three-year-old. She now has six career wins and nearly $50,000 on her card. Her career best time was taken last year in 1:57.1, just a tick quicker than her win Thursday at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. She raced at The Meadows prior to coming back to Indiana for her connections, who acquired her last summer.

Asifbycue is the daughter of True Valentine, who took a mark of 1:55.1 and made more than $172,000 during her racing career. She has a full brother named Nextoyou, who is a two-year-old in 2026.

Later in the card, Goo Goo Won and Travis Seekman scored a win in the evening’s featured $22,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace. The seven-year-old daughter of Fred and Ginger sat patiently in the two hole behind Angel Hill and Trace Tetrick before finding her best stride in the stretch and rallying home in :27.3 for the win in 1:50.4, three-quarters of a length ahead of Yankee B Something and John DeLong. Angel Hill finished third.

Goo Goo Won paid $16.80 for the win. She is a homebred owned by Judy Taylor and was bred by Judy and Howard Taylor. Ron Burke handles the training duties of Goo Goo Won, who has two wins in three starts for 2026. Overall, she has 25 career wins and more than $410,000 in earnings. Her career best time of 1:49.4 was taken as a six-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 23:22:27 GMT

The $2 Million Indiana “Man”

It was a shorts wearing kind of night at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Friday, March 6 with temperatures over the 70 degree mark. Also heating up the night was the latest performance by Little Rocket Man and David Miller, winning the featured $22,000 Open Pace, putting the Indiana superstar over the $2 million mark for his career.

Little Rocket Man wasn’t playing it safe and as soon as the gate opened, he was on the move to the lead from post seven. Parked through the first turn by Ardens Ace N and LeWayne Miller, Little Rocket Man crossed over to the lead at the quarter in :26.1 before Noblesville and Marcus Miller pursued the top spot, becoming the third leader at the half in :54.2.

The back of the pack began to move up and out, forcing Ardens Ace N to the outside and in a chain reaction, Little Rocket Man was also moving out in the final turn. At the head of the lane, Little Rocket Man took over with Ardens Ace N right at his heels. Little Rocket Man was strong throughout the stretch and crossed under the wire a winner by a neck over Ardens Ace N. Im Skinnydipin N and Trace Tetrick finished third in the 1:50.1 mile that brought Little Rocket Man home in a final quarter of :26.3.

Little Rocket Man was the heavy favorite of the field, paying $2.80. He was greeted by the Ken Rucker Stable with a lightweight blanket saying “Little Rocket Man $2 Million.” A large group of well wishers joined Little Rocket Man on the track for a photo, and the 10-year-old son of Rockin Image was still on the go as a quick photo was snapped before heading back to the barn as the sport’s newest double millionaire.

Owned by Russ Beeman and Jack Freeman, Little Rocket Man is now four for seven in 2026 and has 83 career wins from 148 career starts. His career best time of 1:47.2 was taken as a four-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. He has paced in 1:49.0 or faster in each of his seven previous years of racing. Unraced at two, Little Rocket Man has also earned six figures or more every year except his four-year-old season. His best year on the track was his eight-year-old season when he won more than $572,000. He had the most wins during his seven-year-old season when he was 17 of 27 on the year and nearly matched his career best time, earning a win at Scioto Downs in 1:47.3.

Little Rocket Man is the first foal from the former Indiana Sires Stakes champion GT Miss Royal, who earned more than $230,000 with a mark of 1:52.3. She has had six foals of racing age with five winners and has a two-year-old this year named JK Another Victory, a son of JK Endofanera. She also has a yearling filly by Rockin Image, a full sister to Little Rocket Man, named Royal Blessings.

Little Rocket Man was sold out of the Victory Hill Farm consignment in the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale under the name Just Like Pete, purchased for $18,000 with Jack Freeman signing the ticket. He is not only a proven Indiana contender, he has taken his talents outside of the state with many stakes victories throughout the years in Ohio, Kentucky, Canada, and even Minnesota. He is now on a three-race win streak, adding his first win of the year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park to two consecutive wins in the Open at Miami Valley. David Miller has been in the bike for all three wins this season for trainer Ken Rucker, who has conditioned Little Rocket Man for the past four years.

The evening kicked off with another Rockin Image veteran making his way to the winner’s circle as Rogers Image and Brandon Bates were winners in a gate to wire effort in 1:55.1. The eight-year-old gelding, trained by Walter Haynes Jr., fended off a late charge by Picksixking and Atlee Bender to win by a neck. Chesapeake Sunrise and Travis Seekman finished third.

Rogers Image is owned by Sara Haynes and Jeff Fought. It was his first win of 2026 and his 19th overall. He increased his career bankroll to more than $345,000 for his connections with his career best time of 1:50 taken at the age of three.

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:26:45 GMT

ISA Board of Directors hold March meeting

The Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA) held its third meeting of 2026 Monday, March 2 at the ISA Offices in Greenfield. President John DeLong called the meeting to order before going through the agenda that included committee reports, approval of minutes, and an update from the recent legislative session that concluded last week.

One of the first committees reported was the breeders, owners, sales category. Jamie Macomber explained the recent change made by the Indiana Standardbred Breed Development, tweaking the verbiage to Indiana Sired only and dropping Indiana Sired and Bred (ISB). This affects listings for the sales catalogs. Breed Development will now only list foals as Indiana Sired beginning for horses born in 2025. The board agreed to follow suit with the state altered rule and will allow all Indiana Sired foals beginning in 2027 to compete in the Elite Series, as long as they meet all eligibility requirements for starts on the ISFC. Jessica Barnes recently reiterated that breeders of horses born outside of Indiana will not be eligible for breeders’ awards. Only horses born in the state of Indiana will be eligible for breeders’ awards.

Doug Rideout reported on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit (ISFC) and brought a proposal to the board for approval to hire James Witherite of Michigan to provide videography for all ISFC stops this summer. Witherite has also noted he will combine race days for viewing when two fairs are running simultaneously and will also offer commercial time between races. The board approved the proposal and also established guidelines for commercial time, which was set at $500 per season for a 30-second commercial or $250 for the season for a still spot. Anyone interested in advertising on the livestream for the ISFC should contact Tony Renz at the ISA.

Renz also asked for approval to purchase yard signs again for the ISFC, an endeavor that is in partnership with Breed Development. The yard signs have provided local advertisement for the racing programs at each of the stops on the ISFC.

Carrie Hollman provided samples of toboggans and caps that will be provided this season. Toboggans will be passed out soon in the paddock at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Hollman also reported the ISA currently has more than 400 members as memberships are coming in strong right now because the new year began March 1.

Rhys Helt gave an update on the potential of placing membership opportunities online. He is checking into the service, Stripe, which is cheaper than both Venmo or PayPal. A small fee would be required by members applying and renewing online. He will continue to investigate the opportunity for ISA.

Executive Director Renz received approval for sponsorship of the FFA Booth at the National FFA Convention in the fall. The booth will once again be in partnership with the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, Harness Horse Youth Foundation, and the U S Trotting Association. Booth space has increased, so they plan to downsize on the size of the booth to offset the cost increase.

Renz also noted the ISA Golf Outing is set for Monday, June 1 beginning at 1 p.m. at Grandview Golf Course in Anderson. Lunch begins at 12 p.m. and the cost per golfer has gone up to $30 per person. The board approved the cost up to 60 golfers for the event, which they co-sponsor with Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Because the ISA Golf Outing is set for the first Monday of June, the ISA meeting has been moved to the following Monday, June 8. In addition, the ISA Meetings for July and August have also been moved to the second Monday of the month due to ISFC racing. July’s meeting is set for July 13 while August’s meeting is set for August 10.

President DeLong suggested the possibility of purchasing Meta glasses, which could be worn by various participants to secure video for various social media and video outlets. Renz plans to research the item and come back to the board in April for exact costs and options.

Adam Kallick and Matt Norris provided a look at the recent legislative session, which was completed last week. President DeLong noted his appreciation for the recognition horse racing got during the session as well as the new people they connected with at the statehouse. He noted racing is mentioned in all the right spots moving forward.

Kallick added in the big picture racing is on the forefront of everyone’s mind. The group hopes to assemble another legislative day in 2026 at one of the area farms to give those in the statehouse an inside look into racing and its impact on the state. Norris concluded with explaining next year is a budget year and will be more robust with gaming discussion as a result.

Renz thanked Kallick, Norris, and Mike McDaniel for their hard work for the ISA during the legislative session, noting the long hours each of them spent representing racing and keeping the ISA informed.

President DeLong gave a report on the purse account at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, showing the account is better in comparison to 2025. He also noted some purse increases in targeted races and says other conditions could see an increase as well. He also received a report from Gabe Prewitt with details on the cancellation of racing Friday, February 27 due to a malfunction of equipment in the audio visual department with sending out the signal. The track is working on repairs and replacement of equipment before racing resumes Thursday, March 5. DeLong also explained per the contract with Hoosier Park, each horse who was scheduled to race, and did not scratch, received $300 following the cancellation after Race 6 last Friday. The remainder of the purse money goes back into the account.

Jay Hochstetler noted the new Website is nearly ready to go. Renz added John Adamsky is adjusting a few options for the mobile option of the website and hopes to have everything ready to go in the next few weeks.

The meeting concluded with showing the recent video done by Hoosier Park for the presentation to the Hambletonian Society to get the Hambletonian for a three-year-commitment beginning in 2027. The Society is set to meet in Florida in March.

President DeLong adjourned the meeting. The next meeting for the ISA Board of Directors is set for Monday, April 6 at the ISA Offices in Greenfield.

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:24:56 GMT

ISA Membership begins in March

The arrival of March means its time to renew one’s membership with the Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA). Memberships run from March 1, 2026 through the end of February 2027.

Membership packets were mailed out by the ISA Office several weeks ago for the convenience of all individuals needing to renew their membership. Many perks go along with an annual membership, which is available for a cost of $50. Perks include Sulky Insurance at both Harrahs Hoosier Park and the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit, subscription to the Indiana Standardbred Magazine, which is due in homes later this week for the March issue, the annual stallion directory for Indiana, representation at both the Indiana legislature and with the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, voting privileges for by-law changes and election of ISA Directors, On-site track representation at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, eligibility to the ISA Elite Series, Dental and optical programs, and text messaging services.

To become a member of the ISA, send in the application to the ISA Office by mail at 311 American Legion Place, Greenfield, IN 46140. Applications are available online on the ISA Website at indianaharness.com, or applications may be obtained by the ISA Horsemen’s Representative at Harrah’s Hoosier Park from either Rick or Casandra Uppal.

For more information on ISA Membership, contact the ISA Office at (800) 565-5725.

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:23:33 GMT

Kaks the Boss takes on leadership role in qualifiers

Kaks the Boss made her 2026 debut during the final qualifying program of February Saturday at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Atlee Bender guided the four-year-old former Indiana Sires Stakes contender to an impressive win in 1:55.1, turning in a final panel in :26.0.

Kaks the Boss was in no hurry at the start as Whole Lotta Luck and Brad Ferguson moved out to lead the field through the quarter in :28.2 and half in :58.2. Kaks the Boss followed along in sixth and bided her time before tipping to the outside to advance.

As the field moved into the stretch, Kaks the Boss was on the outside and advancing. She paced home in a flash, picking up the win by one length at the wire over Whole Lotta Luck. Sugar and Spite and Kyle Wilfong held their ground inside for third.

Kaks the Boss, a daughter of JK Endofanera, is owned by Pollack Racing and Jeff Cullipher. The partnership purchased her out of the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale for $50,000 from the Victory Hill Farm consignment under the name JK’s Girl. She is the second foal from a mare who has deep roots in stakes action. The third dam is the granddam of Coach Stefanos and the fourth dam is the mother of the great Well Said, Three-Year-Old Pacing Colt/Gelding of the year in 2009 and successful sire after earning more than $2.5 million on the track.

Kaks the Boss took her career best time of 1:52.2 and has earnings of more than $146,000 to begin her four-year-old campaign. She has a half-sister, Girl Boss Rocks, who is a three-year-old in 2026.

Later on in the qualifying program, old timer Peter Dalt was back on the track with a gate to wire effort. Driven by Kyle Wilfong, the 10-year-old son of Rockin Image scored his qualifier in 1:56.1, three-quarters of a length ahead of Covert and Kevin Lambright. Rockin Dawg and Jacob Schwartz finished third.

Peter Dalt is owned by Tosha Huffman and trained by Payton Ode. He has been with Ode since last summer. Overall, he has 19 wins and more than $230,000 in earnings with a career best time of 1:51.1 taken as a five-year-old at Pompano Park. He is the first foal from the Village Jolt mare Love You Always, who earned a mark of 1:52.1 and more than $168,000 during her career. She has also produced PBR Street Gang (1:51.3, $158,000) and has been a solid brood mare for Blue Bird Meadows. She has a two-year-old filly named Bluebird Forever by Capt Midnight who will be on the track this year as well as a yearling colt by Loubet named Bluebird You Bet. All of her foals of racing age have raced.

Go Viral a pacing sensation in Claiming Series Final

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:20:27 GMT

Go Viral a pacing sensation in Claiming Series Final

Go Viral became a pari-mutuel payout sensation Friday, February 27 in the $15,000 Claiming Series Final at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Driver Jordan Ross encouraged the claiming pacer home with a hand drive to score the win by a comfortable margin after finishing third in the preliminary round the week before.

Go Viral began from post two and lumbered out of the gate as Americanfirewater and Marcus Miller moved out for the lead from the center of the track. After Go Viral let Montana Chief A and John DeLong slide into the fourth spot, he was setting fifth as the field passed by the quarter in :28.1. Heading to the half, the tempo slowed prompting Coalford Bythesea and Kyle Wilfong to pull to the outside first from the back of the pack. As the rapid gaited pacer moved up on the outside, Go Viral moved out with Montana Chief A also moving to the outside, giving Go Viral cover into the final turn.

At the head of the lane, Montana Chief A took over and was in full gear as Go Viral began to inch up on the outside. In the final strides, Go Viral went right on by for the win by one and three-quarter lengths. Salty Robyn N and Trace Tetrick got the nod for second in the four-horse photo. Montana Chief N finished third in the 1:55.0 mile.

Go Viral paid $13.80 for the win. The six-year-old Always a Virgin gelding is a new acquisition by Beck Racing LLC and trainer Mike Wilson, who claimed him out of his last start. Wilson, a longtime member of the horseman’s colony at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, is from a harness racing family based in Kentucky. His brothers were also former trainers in Indiana and Ohio. Wilson has been training since 1982 and has been in Indiana since the inception of pari-mutuel racing in the mid 1990s. He currently has four racing in both Indiana and Ohio. Go Viral is a new addition to his barn. Billie Schwartz and James Wilkinson bred the gelding, who earned his first win of 2026 and his ninth overall. The gelding raced in California beginning as a three-year-old and has been at Harrah’s Hoosier Park the past two years. He has $64,000 in earnings with a career best time of 1:51.1 taken last year in Indiana.

In the next race, Buzzsaw Russ and John DeLong were back in the winner’s circle in the evening’s featured $22,000 Open Pace. The Rockin Image six-year-old moved near the back of the petite field at the start as General Dolan and Trace Tetrick claimed the top spot early, posting the first quarter in :27.4. Buzzsaw Russ was out and moving before the half and endured a first over journey into the stretch.

Buzzsaw Russ was strong heading to the wire, winning under wraps by two and one-quarter lengths in 1:51.0, a final quarter in :26.2. Ardens Ace N and LeWayne Miller finished second by a neck over Noblesville and Marcus Miller.

Buzzsaw Russ paid $2.40 as the heavy favorite. He is owned by Russ Beeman and Charles Weaver and trained by Melissa Essig. Devon Knepp and Devon Beechy bred and raised the gelding, who is now two for two in 2026.

Overall, Buzzsaw Russ has 18 wins and more than $857,000 in earnings. His career best time of 1:48.2 was taken at three and he has paced under 1:49.0 the past two seasons, including a 1:47.4 clocking last year.

Harrah’s Hoosier Park cancelled the remainder of their program after Race 6 due to technical issues with the signal. Racing is back in action Thursday, March 5 beginning at 5:30 p.m. for the seventh program of 2026.

ISA Board of Directors hold first 2026 meeting

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 23:45:12 GMT

ISA Board of Directors hold first 2026 meeting

January 5, 2026 by Tammy Knox

The Indiana Standardbred Board of Directors reconvened for their first meeting of 2026 Monday, January 5 at the ISA Offices in Greenfield, Indiana. First on the agenda was to swear in those directors reelected as well as two new directors Jason Miller and Daryl Miller. Roger Young, ISA’s Counsel, provided the appropriate steps to officially secure the new board.

Matt Norris and Adam Kallick kicked off the business portion of the meeting with updates from the Statehouse. Norris noted the new session began Monday, January 5 and will run through February 27 for the non-budget year. Norris talked about several bills that could affect Indiana horse racing and Kallick gave some background on the processes, with the main focus on the concept of a casino license in Allen County.

Norris also gave an update on i-Gaming, which would allow gaming online. Kallick noted the legislators plan to submit a joint resolution this session talking about horse racing and its impact on the state, which will give racing another avenue of recognition for both the Senate and House. No date has been assigned to the resolution.

Officers were elected for the 2026 calendar year with John DeLong retaining the Presidents position. He will be joined by First Vice President Robert Taylor, Second Vice President Doug Rideout, and Rhys Helt as Treasurer, all reoccurring roles. Zach Miller was voted in as secretary of the board to replace outgoing director Emily Dever.

Committees were also updated for the year with Jamie Macomber moving into the chair position for breeding and sales. Daryl Miller also joined the committee. Jason Miller was added to the County Fair committee as well as the Commission Relations. Carrie Hollman moved into a position on the Grants committee and became the new chair of the Membership and Promotions, a committee that Daryl Miller was also added to. Hollman was also added to the Publications committee. Casandra and Rick Uppal were voted in as 2026 Horsemen’s Representatives along with April Neafus as the Transportation Driver.

Macomber gave an update on an upcoming sales gathering with a Breeders/Consignors meeting set for Friday, January 30 beginning at 3 p.m. at Harrah’s Hoosier Park on the lower level. Also, Premier Acres will offer an Open House event to introduce new stallions and offer a look at their facilities Saturday, January 31. Macomber also noted surveys were sent to consignors with emails on file and those results will be shared at the Breeders/Consignors meeting.

Time was spent discussing new ways to attract buyers in the state with discussion led by Ernie Gaskin before the focus was turned to pari-mutuel racing, which begins early this year in a little over a month. DeLong updated the board on some changes with Breed Development, including an added Aged Series and more money allocated to two-year-old races. President DeLong noted the first pari-mutuel committee meeting is set for Wednesday, January 7 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Zach Miller said eight applications had been received for college assistance. DeLong noted the first Commission Relations meeting would be held Wednesday, January 7. Doug Rideout reported on the recent County Fair meeting with most dates set. Racing at Harrah’s Hoosier Park will be expanded to four days the third week of June. State Fair racing dates were also established with Grand Circuit set for August 12, Governors Cup Championships set for August 19, and Elite racing August 31.

Executive Director Tony Renz asked for several approvals for the first quarter of the year, including an outing for ISA members at the Indianapolis Indians ballgame Sunday, April 26 with a 1:30 p.m. start. The board also approved the renewal of the Night Drive Partnership with Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Trading Cards for regional participants were also renewed with the Harness Horse Youth Foundation with Renz noting they are utilized during Speed Barn Tours and National FFA Convention activities. The Grattan Helmet initiative in 2025 had 23 orders and the board voted to renew the program with deep discounts to members in 2026.

Jay Hochstetler provided an update on the new Website design by John Adamsky. Kallick also added Adamsky’s work on a half-page ad that runs every other Friday in the Legislative Insight. The board also applauded Adamsky’s work with social media outlets and other initiatives last season.

The board voted to begin Chaplain Claudeen Webb’s employment a month early due to the early start date for racing at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Webb will begin February 1. Renz also noted all directors are invited to the Community Center ribbon cutting at Horseshoe Indianapolis at 11:30 a.m. Friday, February 6. The facility will provide office and gathering space for horsemen and women as well as a chapel for church activities.

The ISA is currently seeking donations for their annual raffle and door prizes for the Indiana Standardbred Banquet coming up Saturday, January 24. Any donations may be made or arranged by contacting the ISA Office.

The ISA Board will hold their second meeting of 2026 Monday, February 2 at the ISA Office in Greenfield.