After a track record-equalling mile in stakes action last week, Buzzsaw Russ, with John DeLong in the bike, continued his winning ways in the $96,000 Indiana Sires Stakes for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Friday, July 28 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino.
Leaving from the coveted inside post position, Buzzsaw Russ left just enough to protect his position and secure the pocket spot behind the co-favoured Coach Stefanos and Trace Tetrick. Coach Stefanos reached the opening quarter in :28 and went uncontested through the second station in :55.3.
As the field approached the final turn, LeWayne Miller had Why Not Now out and applying pressure from first-over with JK Black Gold and Kyle Wilfong in tow.
As the field turned for home, Coach Stefanos looked strong on the front but Buzzsaw Russ was looming large in the pocket. DeLong tipped his mount from the two-hole and he used a snappy :25.4 closing kick to get the win by nearly two lengths over Coach Stefanos. Why Not Now closed hard for third.
Buzzsaw Russ returned $4.20 for the victory at the betting windows.
Trained by Missy Essig, Buzzsaw Russ scored his second consecutive victory and third win from seven seasonal starts. It was the seventh lifetime win in 16 races for the gelded son of Rockin Image out of the Yankee Cruiser mare, Up Front Cruiser. Bred by Devon Beechy and Devon Knepp, Buzzsaw Russ has now banked $372,775 for owners Russell Beeman and Charles Weaver.
Buzzsaw Russ matched the track record for three-year-old pacing geldings with a 1:48.2 effort in stakes action last week. The previous mark was established by JK Victory in the 2022 edition of the Hoosier Cup.
The victory with Buzzsaw Russ was one of two on the program for Hoosier Park’s second leading driver, John DeLong.
The racing week concludes at Hoosier Park on Saturday, July 29 with two $67,000 divisions of Indiana Sires Stakes for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings on the 12-race card, which gets underway at 7 p.m. Also on Saturday, Hoosier will host the fourth annual Empire of Hope day. The Empire of Hope event is dedicated to raising funds for the aftercare of retired racehorses, with all proceeds directly benefitting the Standardbred Transition Alliance.
(With files from Hoosier Park)