Joinusforsomefun pinned her ears and took down the entire field for the victory in the featured $23,000 Fillies and Mares Invitational Pace Friday, April 16 at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino
. Guided by Sam Widger, the petite powerhouse went from last to first down the stretch for the victory in a time of 1:53.4.
Starting from Post 7 in the eight horse lineup, Joinusforsomefun was more than happy to pace over to the inside and follow along as Sweetsgetintheway and Mooney Svendsen moved to the lead first. After the quarter in a time of :26.4, Ready To Rumba and Dan Shetler moved to the outside to take control, passing by the halfway marker in a time of :56.3. That move spurred several mares at the back of the pack to begin moving to the outside.
Right at the halfway point, Widger was able to pull Joinusforsomefun out behind EJs Copperstone and Rick Farrington for what seemed to be a perfect second over journey. However, others began to follow suit and Widger soon found himself last on the outside as the field rounded the turn for home.
Widger placed Joinusforsomefun into the center of the track and let her take over. She rallied home the quickest of the field, taking every bit of real estate to pass the talented field of pacers, but got the job done at the wire by only the margin less than a length. Giveittoemstaight and Jason Dillander held on in the center of the track for second over Ready To Rumba on the inside for third.
Joinusforsomefun is now two-for-two at Hoosier Park this season. The four-year-old daughter of Cape Crusader earned her 14th win in 20 starts in her career and matched her year best time with the effort. Co-owned by trainer Brett Wilfong with his father, Lynn, Joinusforsomefun is just under the $100,000 mark in earnings.
Greeted by a strong showing of Wilfong family members in the winner’s circle, Joinusforsomefun is the final foal from Joes Feather, who produced five other winners for the Wilfongs. The Illinois-bred mare once again proved that her small size is far out-shadowed by her determination and ability on the track.
(Hoosier Park)