Always About Katey returned to her winning ways and captured the featured event, a $22,000 Fillies and Mares Invitational Pace, at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Friday, May 2.

After a third-place finish at this level last week, Always About Katey used a gritty, gate-to-wire performance to win in 1:53.1 for driver Tyler Smith.

Leaving from post four, Smith switched up his driving tactics this week and sent Always About Katey firing from the gate. Blissful Romance and Ricky Macomber Jr. also left alertly to secure a pocket seat while Ole Miss and Jason Dillander settled along the rail in third.

Always About Katey was able to dictate early fractions of :27 and :56.1 while the field remained in single file order down the backside. Andy Shetler was the first to commit to the outer flow and had House Of Pleasure out and firing approaching the final turn. American Girl and Peter Wrenn quickly grabbed the cover and were well placed second-over while No Respect and Sam Widger followed suit.

Always About Katey, still three-parts of a length to the good, reached the third station in 1:25 while the rest of the field closed in. Blissful Romance tipped from the pocket and made a strong bid at the leader, but Always About Katey dug in gamely to win by a nose.

Igottafeelinfran and Brad Hanners, trailing the field at the top of the stretch, staged a big rally late in the lane to round out the trifecta. As the public’s choice, Always About Katey returned $5.40 to her backers.

Trained by Roger Welch, the two-time Indiana Sire Stakes champion won for the 19th time from 33 lifetime outings. With the win, the daughter of Always A Virgin-Topville Cyberwave sent her lifetime earnings over the $700,000 mark for her connections of William C. DeLong, William P. DeLong, and Katey McClymont. The victory was the second of the season and a seasonal-best performance.

Live harness racing continues on Saturday, May 3 and will begin at its regularly scheduled post of 5:15 p.m. with an action-packed 13-race card. Additionally, Churchill Downs’ full racing card will be shown throughout the Hoosier Park property. Racing fans at Hoosier Park can enjoy convenient wagering for all races held at Churchill Downs, including the Kentucky Derby, a full simulcast race schedule, official Derby merchandise, and entertainment throughout the day. Admission is free and open to the public.

(Hoosier Park)