Freaky Feet Pete turned in another dominating performance to find the winner’s circle at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Saturday, July 18 in his split of the $20,000 Indiana Sires Stakes elimination for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings, extending his win streak to three in the process.
Driven by regular pilot Trace Tetrick, Freaky Feet Pete reached the wire eleven lengths in front of his closest competitor to stop the clock in 1:50.3 and notch his fourth win of the season.
Tetrick took no chances and sent the overwhelming favorite to the front from post seven in the field of nine. Freaky Feet Pete dictated fractions of :27, :54.3 and 1:22.3 while the rest of the field remained in single file order. Rockin Ron (Rick Plano) benefitted from a pocket trip while Supreme Z Tam (Ross Leonard) began the first over attack down the backside.
As the rest of the field struggled to stay within striking distance, Freaky Feet Pete began to put his talent on display with still no urging from Tetrick. With a six length lead turning for home, Freaky Feet Pete used a :28 final panel to coast on to the wire. Vague Traces (Sam Widger) rallied late in the lane for second place honors while Rockin Ron held on for third. Freaky Feet Pete returned $2.10 to his backers at the window.
“That’s what he does,” Tetrick said after the win. “He’s a professional. He’s grown up this year and loves his job. Tonight, he did what he does every time he races, he raced giant again.”
Trained by Larry Rheinheimer, Freaky Feet Pete scored his thirteenth career victory from fifteen lifetime outings. The son of Rockin Image-Skyway Lori has now earned $349,600 for his owners Mary Jo Rheinheimer and Marty Rheinheimer.
Skim The Top and Dale Hiteman took the next split of the stakes action scoring in 1:53 for trainer Krista Harmon. Staging a big rally late in the lane, Skim The Top dug in gamely to hold off Caviart Skyler (Tyler Smith). With the win, the son of Geartogear-Schmoley notched his third win of the season from nine outings. Skim The Top has now earned $73,913 for owner Gary Clark.
Royal Rex and John Delong pulled a slight upset to take the final division of the stakes action, scoring in a lifetime best of 1:51.4. Using the long Hoosier Park stretch to his advantage, Delong tipped Royal Rex late in the lane and he used a :27.1 to win by a head. Trained by Roger Cullipher, Royal Rex scored his second win of the season from 13 starts. The son of Sand Shooter-Go Ginny Go has now earned $40,919 for owner Nathan Sea.
All three of the evening’s elimination winners successfully earned a spot in the third $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes final for three-year-old pacing colts slated for Saturday, July 25 at Hoosier Park.
(Hoosier)