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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.
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