Mystic Karissa, with Ricky Macomber Jr. at the lines, swept the Bill Thompson series - a late closing event open to Indiana-sired fillies and mares that are non-winners of $30,000 lifetime - after a sharp front-stepping effort Thursday evening at Hoosier Park.
With a final time of 1:56.1, Mystic Karissa extended her winning streak to three from just eight lifetime starts after winning both legs of the Bill Thompson series.
Leaving from the rail position, Macomber Jr. eased the three-year-old filly off the gate and opted for a spot along the rail in fourth. Two Green Peppers and Charlie Conrad left alertly from post four to receive the first call through an opening panel in :28.1. Hannah Abbott and Sam Widger also left alertly from post five to drop along the rail in third. As the heavy betting favourite, Macomber Jr. had Mystic Karissa out and firing as the field straightened away down the backside. Ross Leonard and Virgin Girl followed suit and made a quick move to the front through the half mile time in :58.1 before yielding the lead to Mystic Karissa.
The field began to tighten as they reached the three-quarter mark in 1:27 with Mystic Karissa still calling the shots. Hawaiian Angel and Jason Dillander made a strong bid at the leader after they found late racing room but were too late as Mystic Karissa found a 29.1 final panel to finish three-parts of a length in front of the field. Hawaiian Angel held on for second while Darn Shocking and Andy Shetler rallied from well off the pace to finish third. On a night ruled by longshots, Mystic Karissa was able to find the winner’s circle as the public’s choice and returned $3.80 to her backers.
Unraced at two, Mystic Karissa has won seven of eight lifetime starts this season while bankrolling over $40,000 for her connections of Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Frank Baldachino, and L Karr. Trained by Hoosier Park’s reigning leading trainer, Ron Burke, the three-year-old filly established a career best mark of 1:53.3 at Hoosier Park just two starts ago.
(Hoosier Park)