Harrah's Hoosier Park: Whoomp betters Somemore Blue in Indiana Sire Stakes
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In another showdown with arch-rival Somemore Blue, Whoomp, driven by John De Long for trainer Roger Welch, slugged it out down the stretch to finish on top in the lone $94,000 division of the fourth leg of the Indiana Sire Stakes for 3-year-old filly pacers on Saturday (July 11) at Harrah's Hoosier Park.
Whoomp was slotted into post four, with Somemore Blue (Marcus Miller) in post five, and Whoomp was the quickest early, fending off the early challenge from Somemore Blue. Whoomp forced her familiar opponent to settle in behind her to the quarter in 26 1/5. Whoomp then led the unchanged six-horse field to the half-mile mark in 54 2/5. Moving into the final turn, the lead duo began to separate from the remained of the field. Whoomp, a daughter of Rockin Image, blazed past the three-quarters in 1:22 4/5 with Somemore Blue beginning to peek to her outside.
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Gearing up for a star-studded finish, Somemore Blue took her shot as the highly-anticipated grudge match took shape. Whoomp found the accelerator as Somemore Blue was looking for an opportunity to go eye-to-eye with the leader. Popping out the ear plugs, Whoomp powered on home, fighting off her challenger and sprinting home in 25 4/5 to get the better end of the duel by a quarter-length in 1:48 3/5. Treacherous Woman (Kyle Wilfong) got up for third, 6 1/4 lengths back of the top pair.
Whoomp added her third win of the season in four tries, finding the winner's circle for her owners: William De Long, Wm Patrick De Long, and Jesse De Long. Whoomp was bred by William De Long and Wm Patrick De Long, and the filly boosted her lifetime earnings to $491,726. Whoomp paid $6.20 to win.
Next week at Harrah's Hoosier Park starts off with a 13-race card on Tuesday (July 14), featuring $10,000 guarantees in both the late Pick 4 (races 10-13) and late High 5 (race 13) in partnership with the USTA's Strategic Wagering Program. First post is 5:30 p.m. (EDT).
--press release (Harrah's Hoosier Park)--