Harrah's Hoosier Park: Kissin In The Sand best in Breeders Crown Open Mares Pace elim

Kissin In The Sand's recent reign over the top pacing mares in the sport continued on Saturday night at Harrah's Hoosier Park as she won the single $25,000 elimination of the Breeders Crown Open Mares Pace in 1:49 4/5

Starting from the outside post nine, Kissin In The Sand tucked in fourth for Dexter Dunn while Shartin (Tim Tetrick) fired out from post eight and worked her way by Warrawee Ubeaut (Yannick Gingras) after the 27 1/5 opening quarter. Shartin strolled through a half in 56 2/5 and a three-quarters in 1:23 4/5, but Dunn sent Kissin In The Sand first-over on the far turn, and she would advance into second in the lane.

Inside the final eighth Kissin In The Sand managed to wear down and go by Shartin, and Kissin In The Sand would go on to prevail by three-parts of a length. Shartin, Warrawee Ubeaut, Treacherous Reign (David Miller), Philly Hanover (Scott Zeron), Caviart Ally (Andrew McCarthy), Sweet Lucy Lou (Brian Sears), and Stonebridge Soul (Brett Miller) also moved on to the final, where they will join bye-takers Rockin Nola and Trillions Hanover.

"She's been a good mare. She was a good 2-year-old, 3-year-old, 4-year-old, and 5-year-old. She's just super tough. The best part is going to be that she's not going to have the nine-hole in the final now," remarked winning trainer Nancy Takter.

A 5-year-old daughter of Somebeachsomewhere, Kissin In The Sand is owned by Marvin Katz and Hatfield Stables. This was her 25th career victory, and she has now earned $1,519,094. She paid $3.60 to win as the 4-5 favorite.

Here is how the field will line up behind the gate in next Saturday's $300,000 final:

1-Sweet Lucy Lou
2-Rockin Nola
3-Kissin In The Sand
4-Caviart Ally
5-Warrawee Ubeaut
6-Shartin
7-Philly Hanover
8-Treacherous Reign
9-Trillions Hanover
10-Stonebridge Soul