Good luck catching Mr. Mink

Barring an unforeseen form reversal, Mr. Mink should win his third consecutive Brickyard Stakes at Hoosier Park on Sunday.

Mr. Mink is such an imposing presence among Indiana-bred sprinters that bettors will be hard pressed to make a legitimate case for any of the other Brickyard starters, which include a veteran $10,000 claimer and a hopelessly overmatched maiden.

The one opponent who would have had an outside chance, Father Art, probably won't run if Mr. Mink runs, as they share common ownership and both have Tom Pompell named to ride.

Mr. Mink, a 6-year-old son of Gold Case, has been an integral part of Hoosier's recent history, winning 10 of his 13 starts at the track and numerous stakes. He's also left his mark at other Midwest tracks, including River Downs, Fairmount Park, and Indiana Downs.

First or second in all 16 attempts at the Brickyard's six-furlong distance and capable of earning Beyer Figures in the 90's and higher, Mr. Mink should have plenty left in the tank for next month's Too Much Coffee Stakes, a race he narrowly lost to Pass Rush last year.

If Mr. Mink does not run, Father Art figures to go favored in the Brickyard, which is worth $40,000. The leading statebred 2-year-old last year, Father Art has not raced since June when he finished a distant fourth in an two-turn handicap at Thistledown, which served as a prep for the Ohio Derby.