Dontfusswithruss established a new standard for freshman trotting geldings last night at Indiana Downs. The son of Elegant Man--Ml Jezebel, who was competing in the second round of Indiana Sires Stakes action, lowered the track record with a 1:57 performance.

Driven by Joe Essig Jr., Dontfusswithruss defeated pacesetter and favourite Trottin Tiger by two and three-quarter lengths.

Having started from Post 9 for trainer Roger Cullipher, Essig and Dontfusswithruss got away fourth as Trottin Tiger and Sam Widger clicked off the fractions in :29.2, :58.2 and 1:28.

Having grabbed cover behind My Muscleman and Josh Sutton racing into the turn, Dontfusswithruss reeled in and put away the favourite with a :28.3 final panel. The gelding is owned, and was bred by, Jacalyn Beeman. Since finishing fifth in the $200,000 final in September, Dontfusswithruss has won two consecutive Indiana Sires Stakes starts. The previous track record of 1:57.4 was set by Dakotas Reason in October 2003.

Two other $40,000 Indiana Sires Stakes divisions for two-year-old trotting colts went postward during the Wednesday, October 5 card. Velten San Siro (1:59.3) and Irish Express (2:00.2) emerged victorious in the dashes.

(With files from Indiana Downs)