A competitive field of sophomore trotting fillies provided for an impressive stakes performance on Wednesday (Aug. 28) at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, as the evening’s program was highlighted by one $91,000 sixth-round Indiana Sires Stakes event for three-year-old trotting fillies. While the fight to the wire was a gritty one, Measuredperfection and driver Trace Tetrick dug in for a repeat victory.
When the wings of the gate opened, Sam Widger pointed Kotas Swan to the lead from post six. Sophia Lia and John DeLong grabbed the pocket seat while Measuredperfection landed along the rail in third. The field continued in straight alignment through opening fractions of :27.4 and :57 while Measuredperfection waited patiently to make her game-winning move.
Once the fillies reached three-quarters in 1:26, Measuredperfection applied first-over pressure to Kotas Swan, while LeWayne Miller grabbed the cover and was second-over with Grand Swan. When the field turned for home, Grand Swan looked poised to strike but made a costly break, seemingly leaving it to a determined Kotas Swan and a fast-charging Measuredperfection.
While Kotas Swan wasn’t going to give up her lead without a fight, Measuredperfection dug in gamely late in the mile with a final quarter of :29 and crossed the wire just under a length ahead of the pack in 1:55.1. Summit City Swan and Brandon Bates powered home to get up for second while Kotas Swan held on for third.
Measuredperfection paid $3.20 to win.
“We got a really good position,” driver Trace Tetrick noted in the winner’s circle. “She was first-up past the half, but she still dug in late. It helps that she’s handy and does well no matter where she ends up. It doesn’t matter to her — she’ll race either way.”
Measuredperfection, a daughter of Swan For All and Kalibrated, was bred by Concord Stud Farm LLC. The Ron Burke trainee has now won eight of 18 lifetime starts and boasts a bankroll of $279,890 for owners Burke Racing Stable, Frank Baldachino, J&T Silva - Purnel & Libby and Weaver Bruscemi.
Indiana Sires Stakes action will continue at Harrah’s Hoosier Park on Thursday (Aug. 29), with a 12-race card featuring two divisions for two-year-old pacing fillies. Thursday’s card will also feature the weekly $10,000 guaranteed Pick-4 in races three through six and a $10,000 guaranteed Hoosier High-5 in race 12.
(Harrah's Hoosier Park)