Harrah's Hoosier Park: Bythemissal fends off foes in Monument Circle

Bythemissal and driver Chris Page regained winning form but needed every ounce of courage to capture Friday's $200,000 Monument Circle for 3-year-old colts and geldings on the pace at Harrah's Hoosier Park. The Ron Burke-trained son of Downbytheseaside held off horses on both flanks to capture the stakes event in 1:49 3/5.

Birthday and David Miller secured the early lead with Rip Wheeler taking a pocket seat heading into the opening bend. Page, behind Bythemissal, left from the outside post nine and settled in front of second-tier starter Ponda Warrior heading into the opening bend.

Birthday had command through a 26 4/5 opening quarter, and Page moved shortly past that marker with Bythemissal on an extended brush that saw him clear to the front following the 54 2/5 first-half call. Rip Wheeler and Brandon Bates pulled on the final turn, tracked by Ponda Warrior, to try to challenge the leader but was unable to get close as Bythemissal clicked three-quarters in 1:21 3/5 and turned for home in front.

Around midstretch the race took shape as Birthday and Miller took a shot along the pylons, and Mark MacDonald behind Ponda Warrior appeared to be closing in with a fury on the far outside. Between horses Page remained cool, and Bythemissal fought both challengers bravely, finishing his mile with 28 second final quarter to get the decision. Birthday, another Burke trainee, held on bravely for the place spot, with Ponda Warrior third across the wire.

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Bythemissal won for the 13th time in 16 tries this year for Burke Racing Stable, Eric Good, Richard Lombardo Racing and Weaver Bruscemi. As the 1-5 betting choice he returned $2.60 to win.

"The horse digs in late. He knows how to win," said Page in the winner's circle. "I've driven him since non-winners of two earlier this year, and he's never been passed in the stretch."