Geordie has 'em over a barrel

Geordie will try to make it two in a row against Indiana-bred 2-year-olds when he faces 11 others in the $100,000 Indiana Stallion Stakes at Hoosier Park on Sunday, the closing day of the meet.

Geordie won at first asking Sept. 19 at Hoosier Park, defeating Indiana-breds by 3 1/2 lengths. The gelding then ran third in the Hillsdale on Oct. 12 before winning the Indiana Futurity at Hoosier by 4 1/2 lengths. The Indiana Stallion should be an easier spot for Geordie, as every horse in the race is not only Indiana-bred, but also sired by a registered Indiana sire.

Trained by Joe Davis, Geordie is the only horse in the field with as many as two wins. Rafael Hernandez, who has been aboard for both of his wins, will retain the mount.

Check in Advance has been heavily favored in all three of his starts, including his debut Sept. 19, when he ran third behind Geordie as the 6-5 favorite. Trained by Lori Smock, Check in Advance won a maiden race last out by 13 1/2 lengths at 3-5. He earned a Beyer of 61 in that race, the second highest in the field to Geordies 65 in his Indiana Futurity win. Fernando De La Cruz will ride Check in Advance.

Unbridled Asset, trained by Joe Cain, won a maiden race Oct. 24 by three lengths after trailing the field early. He then finished third to Geordie in the Indiana Futurity. Julio Felix gets the mount.

Others in the field are Lanas Dream, Leatherneck, Mighty Fast Dancer, Waki Trick, High Sky, Steppin Ahead, Topper Time, Dixiesaltshaker, and Cinderfella.