Indiana Downs: Eskimo’s Best going for Florence Henderson repeat

Eskimo's Best will attempt to win her second consecutive $84,000 Florence Henderson at Indiana Downs on Tuesday evening for trainer Richard Kohnhorst. In 2010, Kohnhorst sent Eskimo's Best out at 11-1 to win the 1 1/16-mile turf event by a long neck.

Previously, the now 5-year-old mare had finished fourth in the allowance prep. This season, Eskimo's Best won the allowance prep by a nose on June 28, going a flat mile over the Indiana Downs turf course.

The added distance definitely will be a plus, according to Kohnhorst.

"The turf course here is kinder to speed when it hasn't had rain in a while," Kohnhorst said. "The added distance will be a great help to her, I think."

All three of Eskimo's Best's victories came at the 1 1/16-mile distance last season, including the Frances Slocum on the dirt at Hoosier Park on Oct. 16, and Kohnhorst doesn't think that is a coincidence.

"That is her best distance, although she is a very versatile, overachieving horse," he said.

In the prep, there was plenty of early speed for the late-running Eskimo's Best, but the Florence Henderson is not overflowing with early speed. However, Kohnhorst is not concerned.

"I am not really worried, it seems like there is always somebody trying to wire them," he said. "She will run her race, depending on the early fractions - it will depend on how far back she is. No matter what, she will be gaining late."

Orlando Mojica retains the mount.

Ten Indiana-bred older fillies and mares are entered in the event, including two entries.

Whistlin Jean will be coupled with Trust N Seven for trainer Mike Lauer and will be trying to turn the tables on Eskimo's Best. In the Florence Henderson prep, Whistlin Jean was sent off as the favorite and led to the final jump, when she was overtaken by the winner. The 4-year-old filly tends to lay closer to the pace, and a slow pace may be just what is needed to give her a first victory of the season. Whistlin Jean won 5 of 12 races last season, including the Hoosier Breeders Sophomore at Hoosier Park on Oct. 2. Chris Emigh retains the mount.

Others in the field include J W's Last Dance, Wicked Order, Linda's Lace, No Sass, Dr Powers, and the coupled Slew of Z's and Crazy X Lover.