Freshman trotting colts were the featured attraction Tuesday at Hoosier Park, as the oval hosted the second round of $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes finals.
After a costly break in the first $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes final at Hoosier Park, Airman Batten and LeWayne Miller rebounded nicely to score in 1:57 and make a clean sweep of the second round of the stakes action. Last week, Airman Batten made quick work of his $20,000 elimination to score in 2:00.3 and secure his spot in the $75,000 final.
Airman Batten was eased off the gate from post six and settled in fifth while Summit City Nate and Sam Widger dictated early fractions of :27.4 and :58.3. Victory Blitz and Andy Shetler were in the pocket while Homicide Hunter and John DeLong followed intently in third. Summit City Nate continued to call the shots down the backside but yielded the lead to Homicide Hunter at third station in 1:28.1. Using a :28.2 final quarter, Airman Batten staged a big rally late in the lane to wear down the tiring leader. Homicide Hunter trotted evenly to finish second while Summit City Nate held on gamely to round out the top three finishers. As the 6-5 favourite, Airman Batten returned $4.60 to his backers.
Trained by Erv Miller, the son of Swan For All-Ladylike Volo has now won three of four career starts. Airman Batten set a lifetime record with the 1:57 score and has now amassed $66,500 for his connections of Paymaq Racing, Harvey Eisman, and Greg Gillis.
With the win, Airman Batten also earned points for the $200,000 Indiana Sires Stakes Super Finals slated for October 18 at Hoosier Park. The Indiana Sires Stakes program will culminate with the top ten point earners from the previous $75,000 finals in each division returning to compete in the super finals.
Indiana Sires Stakes action returns to Hoosier Park on Wednesday, July 23 with the second of five $75,000 finals for the two-year-old trotting filly division.
(Hoosier Park)