Southwind Pepino made his Hoosier Park debut a winning one as he took top honours and produced the upset in the featured $24,000 Invitational Trot at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Saturday, June 1.
With a final time of 1:54.1, Southwind Pepino scored his second win of the season from four outings.
Leaving from post five, Southwind Pepino settled along the rail a worrisome seventh while the battle for early position took place. Don Giovanni and Benny Christensen were the early victors and reached the front through a quick opening panel in :26.3. The heavily favoured Abc Mercedes, driven by Trace Tetrick, was unable to find a spot along the rail and remained parked throughout the mile.
Don Giovanni continued to call the shots down the backside through the half-mile time in :54.4 as Prayer Session and Ed Hensley benefitted from a pocket trip. Abc Mercedes continued his quest for the front and reached the leader’s wheel at the three-quarter time in 1:24.2.
The top pair was on even terms as they turned for home and the tempo began to quicken. The battle on the front continued as Southwind Pepino loomed large in the background. With a :28.4 closing panel, Southwind Pepino staged a big rally late in the lane to get up in the final strides. Don Giovanni battled gamely to finish second while Prayer Session trotted evenly to round out the trifecta. Southwind Pepino returned $9.20 to his backers.
Southwind Pepino is trained and driven by Hugh Beatty, who also co-owns the horse with Robert Sharrits of Columbus Grove, Ohio. Sired by Chocolatier, Southwind Pepino has bankrolled over $130,000 from 40 career outings.
(Hoosier Park)