Dont Sugar Me recorded her first Open level win in the featured $24,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Friday, June 29 with trainer-driver Terry Cullipher at the lines.

In gate-to-wire fashion, the four-year-old mare equalled her lifetime-best with a 1:53.1 performance. Leaving from post five, Cullipher sent Dont Sugar Me to the front as the gate folded and remained uncontested through first half fractions of :27.1 and :58.1. Forever Showin Off and Charlie Conrad benefitted from a pocket trip as Ed Hensley and Keep On Flirtin followed intently in third. Carmen O, the other entry from the Cullipher barn, was along the rail in fourth.

After the half, the field began to tighten and Don Eash had Hoponit aimed at the leader first over with Do Me Honor and Pete Wrenn getting a second over tow. As the battle began to unfold around the three-quarter mark in 1:26.2, Dont Sugar Me saved her best for last and began to sprint away from the field. With a final quarter clocking in :26.4, Dont Sugar Me cruised to a one and a quarter length victory over Do Me Honor, who rallied late in the lane. Hoponit and Eash survived a long first over journey to round out the tri-fecta.

As the public’s second choice, Dont Sugar Me returned $9.60 to her backers. Sired by Dontgetinmyway, Dont Sugar Me is nearing the $200,000 mark in career earnings. With the lion’s share of the purse, the brown mare now sports a bankroll over $190,000 for owner Gary Hayes. Dont Sugar Me scored her sixth win in 14 outings this season.

(With files from Hoosier Park)