Harrah's Hoosier: Crook Boyzz, Family Recipe break through in Indiana Sires Stakes

Crook Boyzz and Family Recipe posted their first career wins in the Indiana Sires Stakes program by taking the two sections for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers that took place on Friday night at Harrah's Hoosier Park.

Driven by Brandon Bates in the first $33,500 flight, Crook Boyzz pulled to the outside from fifth after the 26 2/5 opening quarter and forged his way past Tar Zan Dan (Sam Widger) beyond the 54 2/5 half. Crook Boyzz got separation on the rest of the field en route to the 1:22 three-quarters and kept clear to the wire, winning by 2 1/4 lengths in 1:50 1/5. Northern Cadillac (Joey Putnam) rallied for second, and Nassau Desire (Trace Tetrick) closed from last to third in the final half.

"He seems very versatile," Bates noted after the victory. "Taking him right off the gate ended up not being his best spot, so I moved him early, and he was really strong from there. He drives nicely but doesn't like to stand around afterward. He likes to keep moving."

A gelding by Always A Virgin, Crook Boyzz is co-owned by trainer Brett Selby along with John and Robert Esposito. This was Crook Boyzz's fourth win from 11 career starts, and he has now earned $44,480. He was the 7-5 choice and paid $4.80 to win.

In the other $34,000 split Island Of The Sea (Trace Tetrick) put up panels of 26 1/5, 54 2/5, and 1:22 2/5, but Family Recipe (Lewayne Miller) stalked him from the pocket the whole way, came up the passing lane in the stretch, and drew off in the final eighth to prevail by 2 1/4 lengths in 1:49 4/5. Island Of The Sea held second ahead of Sawyer's Desire (Ricky Macomber Jr.).

"I think he races best off the helmet, but he's quick and very handy,” Miller said. "He's been racing well all year, even with tougher trips. He's also a barn favorite - very playful and friendly."

Miller also trains and co-owns the victorious Always A Virgin gelding with partners Arnold Manders, Joseph Vieira, and Never Too Late Racing LLC. Family Recipe made his fourth appearance in the winner's circle in his 18th try, and he has now pocketed $115,480. A 9-1 shot, he returned $21.80 to win.

--quotes courtesy of Harrah's Hoosier)--