Paco Labrook earned his first lifetime Open-level win with an impressive 1:50.4 triumph in the co-featured $24,000 Open Pace at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Saturday
(June 11).
In a lifetime-best effort, Paco Labrook was able to overcome a taxing trip to score his third straight victory in three outings this year.
The Nelson Willis-trained entry worked in tandem around the first turn as Paco Labrook and Pete Wrenn followed stablemate Park Lane Deputy and Sam Widger in their pursuit of the lead. Robin I Scoot and Jason Dillander were the early tempo-setters and reached the first mark in :27.1.
Park Lane Deputy secured the lead at the half-mile mark in :55, but his lead was short-lived as Ed Hensley had Willy Mucha out and firing around the last turn. With another lead change, Willy Mucha put a nose in front at the three-quarter clocking in 1:23.3.
Paco Labrook, who found the rail for a short time, was again aimed at the leader, but this time took charge and marched home a winner with a :27.1 closing panel. Freddyscooter found racing room late in the stretch and was able to use his customary late charge to get up for second. Bestinthebusiness and Dan Shetler rallied for third.
Paco Labrook returned $18.40 to his backers. Sired by Panspacificflight, the win was the 11th in only 18 outings for the four-year-old gelding, who pushed his bankroll over $290,000. The former Indiana Sire Stakes champion is owned by Cynthia Kay Willis and the Brandy Pinske Stable Inc.
Wrenn continued his winning ways in the $24,000 Open Trot with a front-running effort by Revenue Agent.
With an abbreviated field of seven, Wrenn sent Revenue Agent to the front from post seven as the gate folded and remained unchallenged through the opening splits of :27.3 and :58.4. After a slow middle half, Joe Putnam was forced to pull the bettors’ choice, ABC Mercedes, from the pocket to challenge the leader. Reaching the three-quarter mark in 1:28, Wrenn asked his four-year-old gelding for more and Revenue Agent dug in gamely to win by a head over ABC Mercedes. Rompaway Beau and JB Oui Oui finished in a dead-heat for third.
Revenue Agent paid $6.80 to win. He has now won four of nine starts while earning over $70,000 this season for owners Michael Creps and R. Kevin Greenfield. The homebred son of Revenue S has bankrolled over $130,000 in three seasons of racing for his connections.
(Hoosier Park)