Hoosier Park: Met's Hall tops million-dollar mark in 2018, Custom Cantab also victorious

Met's Hall and Andy Miller put in a dominant performance, capturing the $256,000 Carl Erskine for sophomore trotting colts and geldings at Hoosier Park on Friday night. The son of Cantab Hall scored in 1:53 2/5.

You Know You Do and Yannick Gingras sprinted out early for the front, but they were overtaken before the 27-second opening quarter by Met's Hall. From there, Met's Hall cut fractions of 56 2/5 and 1:25 1/5, with Maxus offering little pressure while racing uncovered and towing Mission Accepted and Helpisontheway into the action in the outer tier.

By headstretch Miller called on Met's Hall, and he quickly opened up an insurmountable lead on his rivals. Both Helpisontheway and then Hockey Hanover closed in willingly but couldn't get to the winner, finishing second and third, respectively. Mission Accepted finished fourth.

Met's Hall, trained by Julie Miller for owners Stroy Inc. and the Andy Miller Stable, was a winner for the fifth time in 2018, and with the victory he pushed his seasonal bankroll above seven-figures as the even-money favorite.

"He's an amazing animal," said Andy Miller, following the race. "I think his best quality is that he can leave the gate."

Met's Hall, a runner-up in last week's Breeders Crown, has finished on the board in 13 of 14 starts this year.

Custom Cantab and driver Peter Wrenn marched to the front and never looked back in capturing the $137,000 Crossroads Of America for sophomore filly trotters. The Indiana champion was parked the opening fraction of 27 2/5 by Looking For Zelda before claiming the lead and then scored easily in 1:54 1/5 with Wrenn urging her home.

Custom Cantab took on some pressure from Live Love Laugh after reaching the half in 57 2/5 and put away that filly following the three-quarters in 1:25 4/5. In early stretch Wrenn asked for speed and Custom Cantab responded but towards the wire Seviyorum and Andy Miller began to make up ground and make the contest interesting.

On the wire Custom Cantab, a $4.20 winner, won safely, with Seviyorum second and pocket-sitting Looking For Zelda coming on again late for third.

It was the 12th victory in 2018 for Custom Cantab, owned by trainer Chris Beaver along with Donald Robinson and RBH Ventures. Custom Cantab has seasonal earnings of $429,450.

"She's just like a machine," said Beaver following the race. "I'm always worried when she's on the front-end. I think she's better off cover."