Photo by Dean Gillette

Heffae proved to be the boss of the $12,000 Indiana sired two-year-old group Wednesday, July 1, kicking off the program with a win in his very first start. Guided by owner Lamar Wingard, Heffae was a winner in 1:57.3.

Heffae began from post three and moved straight out for the lead, passing by the quarter in :29.0 before Angry Swan and Kevin Lambright took over the top spot, settling in before the half in :59.0. As the field moved around the final turn, Heffae was flushed out and began his move, taking over at the head of the lane.

In the stretch, Heffae went to work, trotting home in :28.3 for the win by one and one-half lengths. Nectar of the Gods and Mike Micallef finished second over Ponda Solve and Trace Tetrick for third. 

Heffae paid $14.00 for the win. The Don’t Let’Em gelding is trained by Ken Rucker for Wingard, who is a blacksmith by trade. He purchased the trotter from the Midwest Standardbred Horse Sale last fall for 9,000 from the Legacy Lane Farm consignment. He was purchased under the name Xpo Transit before Wingard changed it to Heffae, who is from a fairly successful family. His dam is the Andover Hall mare Missy Hall, who has produced five winners from eight foals including two six figure winners King Felix (1:55.0, $298,000) and Five Star Photo (1:56.0, $114,000).

Another Indiana freshman who visited the winner’s circle Wednesday was Starboard, driven by Jordan Ross. The Swan for All freshman took over after the quarter and held his position all the way to the wire, winning by three and one-half lengths in 1:57.4, a final panel in :28.4. Steppinouttohelp and Robert Taylor finished second over Kountry Dion and Kyle Wilfong for third.

Starboard paid $13.00. He is owned by Donald Robinson, Indiana Stables, Mark Schwartz, and Roger Miller Jeff Bankey. Henry Graber Jr. trains the gelding, who was bred and raised by Alan and Larry Troyer.

Starboard was also making his first career start. His dam, Stirling Debutant, has a mark of 1:55.1 and earnings of $150,000.