Harrah's Hoosier Park: De Los Cielos Deo breaks through in Monument Circle

De Los Cielos Deo posted a minor upset at 4-1 in capturing the $225,000 Monument Circle at Harrah's Hoosier Park on Friday night. Matt Kakaley guided the 3-year-old gelded son of Captaintreacherous to a 1:49 2/5 victory over 1-5 choice Hickfropmfrenchlick.

As expected, Hickfromfrenchlick, with driver Trace Tetrick, marched out with high speed from post eight to take instant control of the field. Dealer's Table protected the rail position and earned the pocket, with De Los Cielos Deo and Kakaley settling in third in the early stages. Hickfromfrenchlick, riding an eight-race winning streak, was used hard by Tetrick, cutting the opening quarter in 26 4/5, but there was little challenge to his command, and Tetrick was able to get moderate fractions of 54 3/5 and 1:22 1/5 for the middle-half.

De Los Cielos Deo, most recently a solid fourth in the Breeders Crown last Saturday, got in gear shortly before the three-quarter pole, and the well-bred gelding shifted into high gear, methodically closing the gap between he and the pace-setting Hickfromfrenchlick. The long Hoosier Park stretch worked to De Los Cielos Deo's advantage, and Kakaley actively kept the gelding alive as he collared the favorite in the shadow of the wire for a convincing score. Hickfromfrenchlick held on to the place spot, with Dealer's Table and Highlandbeachlover following him home in third and fourth, respectively.

"This horse has been hit or miss," said Kakaley, who ironically had driven Hickfromfrenchlick to many of his victories this season. "He's a one-run horse, and the way the trip worked out was beautiful."

It was just the second victory for De Los Cielos Deo in his 17th try as a sophomore. Ron Burke trains for owners Burke Racing, Larry Karr, J & T Silva, Purnel & Libby, and Weaver-Bruscemi. The winner returned $10.40 as the second choice.

Assistant trainer Mickey Burke Jr. suggested De Los Cielos Deo could go next in the Progress at Dover Downs.