Picking up where he left off last week, Golden Bay N continued his strong form with another victory in the $30,556 Open Handicap Pace at Hoosier Park to kick off a training grand slam for Tyler George during the 13-race card on Friday, June 5.
Shooting out of the starting gate in post five in the evening's first race, Golden Bay N and driver Trace Tetrick wasted little time getting the lead as he beat out Rip Wheeler (Brandon Bates) for the top spot. Setting the tone, Golden Bay N led the way at the first quarter turn in :26 with Rip Wheeler and Shooting In Place (Jordan Ross) trying to keep up from second and third.
The seven-horse field followed in a single-file line behind the leader, who rode the wind to the halfway point in :53.1. Golden Bay N continued to build space from Rip Wheeler growing his lead to four lengths at three-quarters in 1:21. Meanwhile, M M S Bud (John De Long) began his charge from last along the outside with Coach Stefanos (Marcus Miller) following closely behind.
Pacing to the stretch, M M S Bud continued to gain ground on the rest of the chasers; however, Golden Bay N’s lead maintained his advantage over the field. Down the stretch, Golden Bay N took advantage of the open freeway. M M S Bud hoped to do the same from second, battling with Sanday A (Atlee Bender), Rip Wheeler and a charging Coach Stefanos along the outside, but Golden Bay N coasted to the wire in 1:49.2 in front by 3-1/4 lengths. M M S Bud snagged second, while Coach Stefanos rallied for third.
Golden Bay N, a seven-year-old gelding by Downbytheseaside out of Hug Me Squeeze Me, is owned by Castaldo Racing Stable of Addison, Illinois and the T G Stable of Anderson, Indiana. He secured his third straight victory and 24th lifetime win from 64 starts while increasing his earnings to $348,724. Golden Bay N paid $3.80 to win.
Tetrick drove all four Friday winners from the George stable, but Marcus Miller was the night's leader with six successful steers.
Live harness racing at Hoosier Park continues on Saturday, June 6 with a 14-race card that includes a $7,500 guaranteed Late Pick 4 and a $7,500 guaranteed Late Hoosier High 5 done in partnership with the United States Trotting Association's Strategic Wagering Program. First post is set for 5:30 p.m.
(With files from Hoosier Park)