Freshman trotting colts were the featured attraction at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in the fifth and final round of $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes finals on Wednesday, October 5.
With Ricky Macomber Jr. in the bike, Jesse V staged a valiant stretch rally to prevail in a tight photo for win in 1:58.2 and notch his third consecutive victory in the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes finals.
Leaving from post seven in a talented field of 10, Jesse V was away a worrisome seventh while a host of others left for early position. Herbies Wild Child was hustled off the gate by driver Rick Farrington to get the first call in :27.4, but Rick Plano also had Swan Chase out and firing.
Swan Chase reached command at the half in :58, but things continued to be eventful on the front end as Darrell Wright had Striking Warrior on an assignment to the front approaching the final turn. Swan Chase continued to call the shots at the third station in 1:28, but the rest of the field was steadily closing in.
Don Harmon had My Uncle Cuz well placed second-over and he ranged up to engage the leader as the field straightened away for home. My Uncle Cuz was able to put a nose in front of a tiring Swan Chase, but his biggest challenge was coming from behind him.
Double A Goldrush and Ross Leonard found late racing room up the passing lane, but Macomber Jr. tipped Jesse V to the outside and the gelding surged to the wire to prevail in a tight photo. My Uncle Cuz had to settle for second-place honours while Double A Goldrush held on for third.
As the post time favourite, Jesse V returned $5.20 for the victory.
The son of Jailhouse Jesse-Louisas Victory scored the third win of his young career from 12 starts -- incidentally all three of his career victories have been in the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes finals at Hoosier Park. Owned by Frank Baldachino, Earl J. Smith, Mark P’Pool, and Northern Lane Farm, Jesse V has now amassed $155,000 for his connections. With the win, Jesse V solidified his spot in the $200,000 Indiana Sires Stakes Super Final for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings slated for October 15 at Hoosier Park.
The Indiana Sires Stakes action will continue at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Thursday, October 6 with the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes final and $25,000 consolation for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings.
(With files from Hoosier Park)