Allie Labrook, with trainer/driver Dan Shetler at the lines, re-established the track record for older trotting mares at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Saturday, May 9 when she powered home a winner in 1:52 in the featured event of the evening.
Notching her first win of the season, Allie Labrook broke her previous record of 1:53.1, a mark she established on October 18, 2014. The 1:52 victory marks the first track record that has been lowered over Hoosier Park’s seven-eighths mile oval in 2015.
Leaving from post five in a talented group of nine, Allie Labrook left just enough to get early position along the rail in fifth while Darrell Wright sent last week’s winner, Penn, away from the gate firing from post nine. Penn reached the front through a brisk opening quarter in :26.4, but was quickly joined on the outside by Lady Blitz and Verlin Yoder, who were unable to find a spot along the rail.
Lady Blitz continued to apply pressure to the outside and had reached the leader’s wheel at the second station in :55.4. Captain John Henry and Ross Leonard benefitted from a pocket trip while Allie Labrook sat patiently next along the pylons in fourth.
As the field approached the final turn, Shetler was unable to wait any longer and tipped Allie Labrook to the outside grabbing a second over spot behind Lady Blitz. With the top pair still battling, Shetler tipped Allie Labrook three-wide around a tiring Lady Blitz at the three-quarter clocking in 1:24.3.
As the field turned for home, Allie Labrook and Penn were stride for stride and the race to the wire was on. Penn continued to rally, but Allie Labrook wasn’t finished. Shetler asked his mare for more and she used a :27.1 final panel to finish a length in front of Penn. Captain John Henry used a ground-saving trip to hold on for third-place honours. As the 8-5 favourite, Allie Labrook returned $5.40 at the window.
“I knew I wanted to be closer to the pace this week,” Shetler noted after the victory. “She was loaded with trot when I tipped her three-wide and I knew turning for home she was going to be good. She’s as nice of a mare as anyone could have. I’ve always known she could trot that kind of speed.”
The five-year-old daughter of Here Comes Herbie-Allie Jane was making just her third start of the season after a stellar campaign in 2014 where she bankrolled $119,157 and won 13 of 17 starts. Owned by Sawgrass Farms, Allie Labrook has now won 17 of 27 outings while amassing $155,487 lifetime.
Allie Labrook will be pointed to the Miss Versatility Series at Mohawk Racetrack for her next engagement.
(Hoosier Park)