Harrah's Hoosier Park: Upsets in Indiana Sires Stakes for rookie pacing males

Two divisions of Indiana Sires Stakes for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings, going for purses of $68,500 and $68,000, were featured on the evening's 14-race card at Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Thursday, July 13. It was the opening round for the Hoosier State's rookie pacing males.

Stat That and driver LeWayne Miller used a strong stretch rally to pull the 24-1 upset in the opening flight. Stat That avoided an early speed duel and got up in the final strides of the mile to stop the timer in 1:51 4/5 and score his maiden-breaking victory.

Unhurried from the gate, Stat That got away sixth while Evileye Fleegle and Daryl Bontrager set opening early fractions of 27 2/5 and 55 2/5. James Yoder had Where's Drogon out and firing just past the half, and he led the field through the three-quarters in 1:23.4. Trace Tetrick had the heavily-favored Noblesville on the attack from first-over after Where's Drogon took command, but the biggest threat was still behind him.

Using a 26 4/5 closing kick, Miller guided Stat That through traffic to get the win by nearly three lengths. Jd's King James and Jordan Ross utilized a ground-saving trip to get up for second, while Evileye Fleegle held on for third. Sent off at odds of 24-1, Stat That returned $51.80 at the betting windows.

Trained by Susan Miller, Stat That recorded his first lifetime win from just his second start. Owned and bred by Derek Lehman, the son of Check Six-Rockin Songbird has now earned $36,750.

► Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter

In the second split, it was M-m's Bud and driver Jay Cross who went gate-to-wire to pull the 9-1 upset victory. Leaving from post two, Cross sent M-m's Bud away from the gate, and he dictated fractions of 28, 57 2/5 and 1:25 3/5 before ever being contested. Trace Tetrick had the post time favorite, Play Action Pass, on the attack from first-over on the last turn, with Tellmeitmatters and John DeLong in tow.

As the field turned for home, Cross asked M-m's Bud for more, and he responded with a 26 2/5 closing kick to fend off all challengers. Play Action Pass was forced to settle for second, while Chocluck Chip and James Yoder rallied well late for third. M-m's Bud returned $20.20 to his backers at the betting windows.

Trained and owned by Alvin Miller, the gelded son of Tellitlikeitis-Climate Hanover recorded his third win from five lifetime starts. The 1:52 clocking was a new lifetime mark for M’m's Bud, who was bred by Mervin J. Miller.

Live racing will return to Harrah's Hoosier Park on Friday, July 14 with one division of Indiana Sires Stakes action for the 3-year-old pacing fillies on the evening's 14-race card. For more information on the live racing and entertainment schedule, guests are encouraged to visit www.harrahshoosierpark.com.

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