Harrah's Hoosier Park: Nijinsky blows away foes in Monument Circle

Nijinsky regained winning form in style on Friday night, cruising to an open-lengths victory in the $180,000 Monument Circle at Harrah's Hoosier Park. The North America Cup champion rolled to a 1:48 4/5 victory, his 11th in just 15 starts in 2024.

There was plenty activity early in the mile as driver Louis Roy took an early seat, while David Miller gunned Solid Character away from the pole position and forced outside leavers to take notice. Play Action Pass took a seat and Miki Ray found space along the pylons into the first turn. Meanwhile, Stat That, with Lewayne Miller, got caught on the outside and advanced quickly on the turn as Solid Character cut the opening quarter in 25 3/5.

Roy saw Stat That coming just past the quarter and edged Nijinsky off the pylons to go for the front. Miller sent Stat That wide instead, circled Nijinsky in short order and drove to the front before the 54 second half had been reached. Nijinsky and Roy continued to march to the front and secured the lead for good following the half. Though Noblesville, Clever Cody and Tellmeitmatters followed Nijinsky's cover to the lead, they were unable to threaten during the third quarter, with Nijinsky pacing to three-quarters in 1:22 1/5 and leaving the race for minor spoils the only thing in doubt.

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With a 26 3/5 final quarter under wraps, Nijinsky completed his mile effortlessly. Tellmeitmatters had the most pace finishing and was a solid second, with Miki Ray gaining room late for third. Clever Cody settled for fourth.

Owned by West Wins Stable, John Fielding and Mark Dumain, Nijinsky is trained by Anthony Beaton. A son of Bettor's Delight, Nininsky is the richest sophomore pacer in North America with earnings at $1,142,920 on the season.

"I took my time to make the front, and I was pretty confident from there," said Roy following the win.

As the shortest possible favorite Nijinsky paid $2.10 to win.