Photo by Dean Gillette
John and Robert Esposito have seen a lot of success with their powerhouse veteran pacer General Dolan. The now 11-year-old son of Rockin Image has already won five races this year and counting. His bankroll exceeds $730,000 and he took his career best time of 1:48.4. Now, its time for the Esposito team add another member of the family to root for as two-year-old Lucky Lisa G and Trace Tetrick won their first race Tuesday, June 30 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.
Beginning from post one, Lucky Lisa G was making her third career start. She had some early speed inside but Literally Rockin and Mike Peterson had their sights set on the front spot to lead the field through the quarter in :28.4. It didn’t take Lucky Lisa G long to move out and around, securing the top spot before the half in :58.0. Lucky Lisa G remained in control around the final turn before Tetrick asked the freshman filly for more speed.
At the head of the lane, Lucky Lisa G took off, posting the win by eight and three-quarter lengths in 1:56.1, a final quarter in :28.4. Literally Rockin finished second over Whiskey Straight and Anthony Miller.
Lucky Lisa G was the favorite, paying $3.00 for the win. She is owned by John and Robert Esposito, who also bred and raised her from their brood mare Townes Party Girl. In addition to General Dolan, the mare has produced four other winners besides Lucky Lisa G, including two with marks under 1:52, Royal Richie Doyle and Longwood Lolly. Just like General Dolan, Lucky Lisa G is trained by Tyler George, six-time leading trainer champion at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.
Tetrick and George teamed up again later in the card with another two-year-old as Callie Rocks rallied home in a gate to wire effort in 1:53.3. The Rockin Image filly paced home in :27.1 for the win, her second in three lifetime starts. Callie Rocks earned a new lifetime mark in the effort.
Callie Rocks is owned by Nathan Yoder, Gary Graber, and Stephen Stoll, all of Indiana. The filly was part of the Integrity Stable consignment last fall at the Midwest Standardbred Horse Sale and was an $8,000 purchase by her connections.
