Harrah's Hoosier Park: Kissin In The Sand's roll continues in Breeders Crown Mare Pace

There's a new queen in town, and her name is Kissin In The Sand. Driver Dexter Dunn made no mistakes, and the 5-year-old daughter of Somebeachsomewhere was powerful, scoring in 1:48 4/5 in the $300,000 Breeders Crown for Open Mares, decisively defeating the 2019 Horse of the Year Shartin in the process, at Harrah's Hoosier Park on Saturday night.

The lead was a valuable commodity in this affair, as Rockin Nola and Warrawee Ubeaut dueled early, with the latter taking control into the opening bend. Tim Tetrick, behind Shartin, sent his mare three-deep into the turn to clear the favorite, and then needed the entire first turn before securing command past the 26 4/5 opening fraction.

Dunn and Kissin In The Sand methodically advanced and cruised to command about three-eighths into the mile, clocking the half in 54 2/5 and awaiting challenges. Warrawee Ubeaut, with Yannick Gingras, went on the offensive midway on the final turn, and the two-time Crown champion got onto the flank of Kissin In The Sand turning into the homestretch.

Dunn and Kissin In The Sand hit three-quarters in 1:22 1/5 and kicked home powerfully from there as Shartin came to her inside with the opening of the passing lane, but couldn't gain, and Warrawee Ubeaut fought until weakening some towards the wire.

A final quarter of 26 3/5 was a major component to the brilliant mile put in by Kissin In The Sand, who won for the sixth straight time with a stakes-record equaling performance.

Nancy Takter trains Kissin In The Sand for owners Marvin Katz and Hatfield Stables. Christina Takter, John Fielding, R A W Equine, and Concord Stud Farm bred Kissin In The Sand, who won for the 26th time during her career.

"She's been powerful the last half of the season," said Dunn, reflecting on the late season win streak.

Sent off as the 2-5 favorite, Kissin In The Sand returned $2.80.