Excessivepleasure surprises in Indiana

ANDERSON, Ind. - California shipper Excessivepleasure turned back a bid from Wando and then held off the previously undefeated Grand Hombre to earn a one-length win in Saturday night's Grade 3, $411,800 at Hoosier Park.

Ridden by Jon Court, Excessivepleasure ($22.20) spurted clear from the gate in the premier race of the meet but was joined by Christine's Outlaw and Wando through the first turn of the 1 1/16-mile derby. Excessivepleasure and Canadian Triple Crown winner Wando, who bid three wide into the far turn, came into the stretch neck and neck but Excessivepleasure ultimately proved best.

Court nudged Excessivepleasure clear leaving the furlong pole and held off the late charge of even-money favorite Grand Hombre to score by a length in 1:43.48 over the fast track. Wando finished another 1 1/4 lengths back in third.

Excessivepleasure, a son of In Excess trained by Doug O'Neill, previously captured the $500,000 WinStar Derby at Sunland Park in March and the $250,000 Prairie Meadows Derby in July. His last start was a last-place finish behind Peace Rules in the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational after he stumbled at the start.

The field was reduced to eight with the defections of Hackendiffy, Roses in May, and Shawklit Man earlier in the day.