Trainer Ed Lohmeyer and Hall of Fame driver Mike Lachance joined forces Sunday at Tioga Downs to sweep this year’s $203,425 Empire Breeders Classic
for pacing fillies with Indulge Me, who dominated her three-year-old foes in a time of 1:52.2.
Sent off as the 8-5 second choice in the wagering, Indulge Me was just off the pace at the quarter pole in :28 seconds before rolling to the lead and successfully laying down panels of :56.2 and 1:24.2 en route to the 1:52.2 decision. Stolly Up Bluechip was second best and third prize went to Up Front Kellie Jo. Perfect Launch, who was send off as the 7-5 choice in the eight-filly affair, made a break going to the quarter pole and was a non-factor the rest of the way.
“She’s very handy and relaxed today,” said driver Mike Lachance. “I drove Bettors Delight [her sire] and I can see a lot of him in her. She was loafing a little bit when she got to the front, but she still had plenty of pace in the stretch. It was nice fractions for her when she got to the half in :56 and a piece.”
Indulge Me, who started off her 2009 campaign with a 1:55.2 victory in last week’s elimination, is now a seven-time winner in just 17 lifetime starts. The daughter of Bettors Delight – Summer Child, who is owned by Robert and Lauren Tucker of Glen Gardner, NJ, bumped her overall bankroll to $335,727 with the win.