Hoosier Park: Katkin American sets new track record

Katkin American, with James Yoder at the lines, became Hoosier Park Racing & Casino’s newest track record holder when he powered home a winner in 1:52 3/5 in the second round of $20,000 Indiana Sires Stakes eliminations for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings on Thursday, June 28. The 1:52 3/5 mark was a new lifetime best for Katkin American and re-established the previous record by nearly a full second, a 1:53 2/5 mark that was held by Swan Chase and Fly Jesse Fly.

In just the fourth start of his sophomore campaign, Katkin American turned in a dominant performance to finish 14 lengths in front of his next closest competitor and record his second win of the season. His victory also marked the fourth track record that has been re-established or equaled at Hoosier Park through 63 nights of live racing in 2018.

Leaving from post two, Katkin American grabbed an early pocket seat behind Wham Bam Guccio and Lewayne Miller through the first quarter in 28 2/5. Unable to find a seat along the rail, Doug Rideout had Northern Skyway pointed to the front and he grabbed the lead just before the half in 57. Yoder gave Katkin American the green light and the colt did the rest, exploding to the front approaching the final turn.

Reaching the third station in 1:25, Katkin American began to put his talent on display and trot away from the rest of the field. Using a 27 3/5 final panel, he coasted on to the wire under a hand drive. Wham Bam Guccio had to settle for second-place honors while Batting Stats and Sam Widger rallied late to round out the trifecta.

Unraced as a 2-year-old, the homebred son of Guccio-Katkin has now won two of four lifetime outings while pushing his career bankroll to $24,500. Trained by Verlin Yoder, Katkin American is owned and was bred by Brett Boyd Racing Inc. With the win, Katkin American successfully earned a spot in the second round of $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes finals slated for Friday, July 6 at Hoosier Park.

All On Black and Trace Tetrick delivered as the heavy favorite in the second split of stakes action for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings on the evening’s 13-race card. Utilizing the long Hoosier Park stretch to his advantage, All On Black was able to wear down the leader late in the lane to stop the timer in 1:54 4/5. Trained by Jenny Melander, the gelded son of Swan For All-Right on Renee is owned by Gabriella’s LLC and Melander Racing Inc.

Live racing continues at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Friday, June 29 with a 14-race card featuring the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes final for 3-year-old pacing fillies.

-edited release (Emily Gaskin for Hoosier Park)