Nothing But Nice and driver Sam Widger used a valiant stretch rally to get up in the final strides of Tuesday’s featured event, the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes final for three-year-old trotting fillies, at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Tuesday, August 30.

The Robert Reeser-trained filly was able to overcome a tough, first-over trip to prevail in a tight photo in 1:56 over a sloppy rated track. After playing the bridesmaid in her last two outings, Nothing But Nice made amends this week to notch her second win of the season.

After a break by the post-time favourite Ooh La La La and Tyler Smith behind the gate, John DeLong sent Naughty III away from the gate and pointed to the front. Naughty III grabbed the early lead through the opening panel in :27.2 but wouldn’t have the lead for long as Dan Shetler Jr. gave Fawn De Savage the green light just before the half in :57.2.

Fawn De Savage continued to call the shots approaching the final turn but would soon be joined on the outside by Nothing But Nice and Sam Widger who were the first to commit to the outer flow, first-over. Nothing But Nice was matching strides with the leader at the third station in 1:27.2 and Naughty III was looming large from the pocket. As the field turned for home, the stage was set for a battle to the wire.

Naughty III found late racing room up the passing lane but Fawn De Savage wasn’t giving it up without a fight. Widest of all, Nothing But Nice continued to rally on the outside and used a :28.3 final quarter to find the wire first. Fawn De Savage held on gamely for second place honours while Naughty III rounded out the trifecta. Nothing But Nice returned $8.80 at the betting windows for the slight upset.

“She’s a very consistent filly,” trainer Bobby Reeser noted in the winner’s circle. “Every week she goes out and gives 110%. She may not be able to beat them every week but she’s a nice filly who tries really hard. She’s consistent and goes out and does her job no matter what. She’s a pleasure to have in the barn.”

The homebred daughter of ABC Garland-Eicarls Theresa has now won two of 14 seasonal outings and established a new lifetime mark with the win. Owned by Risto J. Vidgren, Nothing But Nice has now earned $168,885 while winning four of 23 lifetime outings.

Indiana Sires Stakes action will continue at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Wednesday, August 31 with the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes final for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings. Wednesday’s 13-race card will also be highlighted by a $20,000 Guaranteed trifecta in the opening leg of the pick-5, race 9 on the card.

(Hoosier Park)