Hoosier: Edgerrin tries to go 3 for 3

ANDERSON, Ind. - Edgerrin puts his perfect record on the line while trying a mile for the first time in the $35,000-added South Bend for 2-year-old Indiana-breds, the final stakes of the Hoosier Park meet.

Trained by Jeff Jones, Edgerrin was a most impressive maiden winner here on Nov. 6. Bumped at the start, he rallied strongly and drew off under wraps by 6 1/2 lengths while getting the six furlongs in 1:11.82.

He validated that effort with a similar performance in the Indiana Futurity on Nov. 15. Without troublesat the start, Edgerrin was soon clear and once again scored by more than six lengths, while traveling the six furlongs in 1:11.97.

Edgerrin has been a standout in the statebred ranks this year but now must prove he can handle the added distance. Ramsey Zimmerman will be aboard Edgerrin when he breaks from post 5.

Liepers Fork appears the major threat among Edgerrin's seven rivals. He seeks to end a streak of three straight runner-up efforts. Trained by Richard Kohnhorst, Liepers Fork followed Edgerrin home in the Indiana Futurity, finishing 6 1/2 lengths in front of Highway Hero, who is also in this field. Liepers Fork breaks from post 3 with Mike Morgan.

Due to an error in the condition books, the South Bend was listed as a stakes in which colts and geldings are preferred, rather than a race restricted to males, as in the past. As a result, the filly Play Hookie was entered by trainer Michael Lauer. She breaks from post 7.

Also on the card is the $35,000-added Indiana Stallion Stakes. The six furlong sprint is for Indiana-bred 2-year-olds sired by registered Indiana stallions. Four Columns, though still a maiden, may rate a slight edge in the field of eight. Sidney LeJeune rides Four Columnsfrom post 8.

Willy B Tackett and Money Spender are the only winners in the field.