Harrah's Hoosier Park: No beating Bender in Thursday's Indiana Sire Stakes

It was different night, but the same story for Dan D Man Can on Thursday at Harrah's Hoosier. Driven by Atlee Bender for trainer Erv Miller, Dan D Man Can won the lone $96,500 division of the fifth leg of Indiana Sire Stakes action for sophomore trotting colts and geldings to add to his perfect start to 2026. Meanwhile, Dancingdreamer found his form, winning the single $94,500 split of the sixth round of the Indiana Sire Stakes for 3-year-old male pacers. Bender was also in the bike behind Dancingdreamer as part of a five-win evening.

Trotting out of post two, Dan D Man Can snagged the second spot off the wings and left as the 2-5 favorite. It was smooth sailing out of the gate for August Salazar (John De Long) to lead the field at the first quarter in 27 3/5. Cruising out of third, Swan Affect (Marcus Miller) got up past Dan D Man Can and August Salazar to take command to the half-mile mark in 57 2/5. Dan D Man Can transitioned to the outside upon arrival at the turn, taking aim at the leader first-over. Swan Affect lead stayed true to three-quarters in 1:25 2/5 with Dan D Man Can right on his heels.

Turning for home, Dan D Man Can wore down the leader, willing his way to the to the helm. August Salazar found an extra gear from third to put in a late bid, but Dan D Man Can was decisive to the wire, posting his seventh straight win in 1:53 1/5 and prevailing by a quarter of a length. Inverness Ave (Kevin Lambright) got up for third at 30-1, with Pilot's Lucky Day (Brad Ferguson) rounding out the super at 38-1.

The winning Dover Dan gelding is owned by Red Barn Stable, Stepbystep Racing, Lava Java Stable and Erv Miller Stable and was bred by Homestead Acres. Dan D Man Can, now with a seven-for-seven record in 2026, boosted his lifetime earnings to $339,965 and paid $2.80 to win.

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Rallying late, Dancingdreamer, driven by Bender for new trainer Tyler George, took a new lifetime mark in the sire stakes event for the 3-year-old male pacers,

On the outside looking in from post seven, Dancingdreamer accelerated to an early lead at the first quarter in 26 2/5. Swiss Lights (Trace Tetrick) motored on the right after passing on the two-hole trip. The post time favorite Aces And Cinches (Kyle Wilfong), after pacing from third to first, arrivied at the halfway mark in 54 2/5. The field remained unchanged to the three-quarters in 1:22 3/5 with Aces And Cinches, Swiss Lights and Dancingdreamer leading the way. The three-horse race didn't disappoint down the stretch, with Dancingdreamer picking up a head of steam to hit the wire a quarter of a length to the good in 1:49 after rallying on the outside. Aces And Cinches held for second, Swiss Lights stayed in third.

Owned by Desyllas Racing LLC., William Beck, and Jeffry Eckburg, Dancingdreamer was bred by Luckiana Farm. Dancingdreamer claimed his third win of the season, increasing his lifetime earnings to $293,475.

Two-year-old INSS action returns tomorrow (July 31) at Harrah's Hoosier Park with the trotting colts and geldings in races two and four. Friday's 14-race card features the $10,000 guaranteed late Pick 4 and the $10,000 guaranteed late Hoosier High 5 done in partnership with the USTA's Strategic Wagering Program.

--edited press release (Harrah's Hoosier Park)--