Harrah's Hoosier Park: Rip Wheeler downs favorites in Indiana Sires Stakes

The Hoosier State's top 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings were back in action at Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Friday, August 26, as the evening's 14-race card was highlighted by one $97,000 division of Indiana Sires Stakes. It was the fifth round of the eight-round series for the group as they all looked to gain valuable points for the season-culminating $250,000 Super Finals slated for October 14 at Harrah's Hoosier Park.

It was Rip Wheeler and driver Brandon Bates who turned in a valiant stretch rally to pull the 7-1 upset and stop the timer in an impressive 1:48 4/5. Leaving from post seven in the talented field of nine, Rip Wheeler settled along the rail in fifth while a host of others left for position. Ponda Warrior and Jimmy Whittemore were the first to get a call through the opening panel in 26 3/5 but eventually yielded the lead to the post time favorite, JK Victory and Trace Tetrick.

Jk Victory led to the half in 55 seconds, but when the field reached the third station in 1:22 1/5, Bates had Rip Wheeler on the front and on a mission. Using a 26 3/5 closing kick, Rip Wheeler was able to keep his challengers at bay and get the win by three lengths. Ponda Warrior held on for second while Sure Thing Herman and Atlee Bender rounded out the trifecta. Rip Wheeler returned $16.20 for the victory.

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Trained by Walter Haynes Jr., the gelded son of Rockin Image-Novascotia Hanover recorded his sixth win from 16 starts this season. Owned by Jeff Fought and David E. Fought, Rip Wheeler recorded a new lifetime best time while pushing his lifetime earnings over the $100,000 mark with the victory. That was also one of three driving wins on the card for Bates.

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