Sure Shot Biscuit

ALTOONA, Iowa - Two-time defending Iowa-bred Horse of the Year Sure Shot Biscuit proved his mettle against open company once again as he turned back several challengers and held sway for a half-length score over Battle Mountain in the $75,000 Precisionist Handicap at Prairie Meadows.

Sure Shot Biscuit set the pace under pressure from Kombat Kat through a half-mile run in 46.99 seconds. The pair was joined by Bravo Bull entering the second turn, and those three dueled to the stretch. Jockey Terry Thompson asked Sure Shot Biscuit for more entering the lane and his mount responded to go clear and hold on late, clocking the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.80. Battle Mountain rallied from 11 lengths off the pace and finished 2 3/4 lengths clear of Bravo Bull for second.

The victory was Sure Shot Biscuit's 19th in 32 career starts for trainer Kelly Von Hemel. The victory was worth $69,750, including a $24,750 bonus from the Iowa breeders fund, and sent Sure Shot Biscuit's career earnings to over $715,000. He is the richest Iowa-bred ever.

Sure Shot Biscuit returned $4.20 to win as the favorite in the six-horse Precisionist field.