Harrah's Hoosier Park: Pegasus divisions begin Saturday night's Breeders Crown program

It's Academic and Catch The Fire picked up Grand Circuit wins on Saturday night at Harrah's Hoosier Park by winning in Pegasus events for 3-year-old males of both gaits.

In the $55,000 trot, It's Academic (Chris Page) got to the front in a 27 4/5 opening quarter, then backed down to the half to 58 seconds. He picked up the tempo to 1:25 4/5 at the three-quarters, repelling a first-over bid by Sermon (Kasper Forget) in the process, and a 27 3/5 final kicker sealed It's Academic's 1:53 2/5 decision. He downed Bourbon Express (Tim Tetrick) by a length and three-quarters, with Sermon third.

Ron Burke trains It's Academic, an Uncle Peter colt, for owners Burke Racing Stable LLC., W.J. Donovan, Joe Sbrocco, and Hatfield Stables. This was his 12th career win, and he has now earned $402,234. The 1-2 favorite, he paid $3.00 to win.

Catch The Fire (Mike Wilder), who missed out on the Breeders Crown 3-Year-Old Colt Pace after finishing sixth in his elimination, rebounded with a 1:49 1/5 victory in the $60,000 Pegasus on that side of the ledger. Starting from post seven, Catch The Fire took charge past a 26 1/5 opening quarter, and from there he paced on to a 53 4/5 half and a 1:22 three-quarters. Catch The Fire shook off a first-over bid by Always And Again (Tetrick) turning for home, then drew off in the last eighth on his way to a 2 3/4 length score. Tattoo Artist (Bob McClure) was second, with Clever Character (David Miller) third.

A Captaintreacherous colt, Catch The Fire is trained by John Ackley for owner CT Stables LLC. Catch The Fire now has a record of 8-4-5 from 25 starts, and he pushed his bankroll to $635,801. He returned $8.80 to win as a 3-1 offering.