Indiana Sire Stakes action returned to Harrah’s Hoosier Park on Wednesday, July 17 with leg four for the three-year-old trotting fillies. Two divisions highlighted the 14-race Wednesday (July 17) card, seeing Hail Broadway and Skyway Paige deliver victories in front-stepping fashion.
Leaving from the rail in the $66,438 first division, Hail Broadway teamed up with regular pilot Jordan Ross to topple her five rivals and score her second-straight victory of the season. Ross protected the inside position early, sending Hail Broadway to the quarter first in a hot :27 while Black Gold (James Yoder) settled in the pocket. Hail Broadway was left alone on the lead to the half in :56.2 before Robert Taylor moved the 4-5 favourite Agent Of Fortune first-over from fourth, powering alongside the leader in the final turn. Ross kicked out the ear plugs on Hail Broadway who looked to counter as Agent Of Fortune put her head in front at three-quarters in 1:26.2.
Agent Of Fortune brought the field in to the stretch, but Hail Broadway refused to go away to her inside. The fillies continued to trade blows in the lane before Hail Broadway retook command midway down the lane, trotting home in:27.1 to outduel a game Agent Of Fortune and win the slugfest by a quarter of a length in 1:53.3. Black Gold held for third to round out the trifecta. Hail Broadway returned $5.40 to win as the 8-5 second-choice.
The clocking was a career best for the Luis Quevedo trained Hail Broadway who is now a winner in three of seven this season. The homebred daughter of Swan For All-Pray With Me as now earned $130,218 lifetime for owner John Barnard, with $118,973 of that being made this season.
In the $65,753 second division, Skyway Paige bested four foes at 1-9 to get back in the winner’s circle this season. Leaving from post four, driver LeWayne Miller settled the heavy-favourite in the third spot early while Fly Delta (Mike Oosting) led to the quarter in :27.3. Miller tugged the right line on the backstretch, quickly marching to the lead and assuming command before reaching the half in :57.2. Skyway Paige dictated the terms on the final turn, backing down the pace to lead to three-quarters uncontested in 1:28.1.
Turning for home, Skyway Paige opened up on the field while Miller remained motionless in the bike. Trotting home in :27, Skyway Paige cruised to a two length victory in 1:55.1 over Truly Unbelievable (John De Long) who closed to be second. Star Pilot (Trace Tetrick) rallied up the passing lane to finish third.
Trained by Susan Miller, Skyway Paige is now a three-time winner in five starts this season. Bred by Kenneth Slabach, the daughter of Swan For All-Prismatica has now banked $378,803 in her career for owners L&S Racing, D&S Stable, Ryan Raber and Anthony Swartzentruber.
The week of racing continues at Harrah’s Hoosier Park on Thursday, July 18 with a 13-race card getting underway at 6:15 p.m. The card will feature two divisions of Indiana Sire Stakes for the three-year-old trotting colts and geldings in the ninth and twelfth races. Additionally, Thursday will also include a $20,095.12 carryover in the Jackpot Pick Six (Races 8-13), a $10,000 guarantee on the Late Pick 4 (Races 10-13) and $10,000 guaranteed Hoosier High Five (Race 13). Free online racing programs are available daily on the Harrah’s Hoosier Park website.
(Harrah's Hoosier Park)