Hyper Drive pulls away in Cherokee Nation Classic Cup

Hyper Drive darted to a 4 1/2-length win over frequent rival Tuff Kid in the $55,000 Cherokee Nation Classic Cup on Tuesday at Will Rogers Downs. It was another three lengths back in third to Johnny Whip.

The mile and 70-yard race was for 3-year-olds and up bred in Oklahoma.

Hyper Drive ($7.80) was content to settle off the pace in fifth as Lingerlonger set pressured fractions of 24.09 seconds for the opening quarter and 48.25 for the half-mile. Hyper Drive advanced, moved to a clear lead in the stretch, and went on to cover the distance on a fast track in 1:41.85.

Lindey Wade was aboard the winner for trainer Randy Oberlander.

Hyper Drive and Tuff Kid were meeting for the sixth time since last summer. Hyper Drive has now won three stakes over Tuff Kid, while Tuff Kid had defeated Hyper Drive in his start leading up to the Cherokee Nation Classic Cup. Both horses are 4-year-olds by the stallion Don’t Get Mad.

Hyper Drive earned $33,000 for the win. It was his fifth victory from 18 career starts. Hyper Drive has now earned $154,295. He races for Henry Thilmony.