Just A Steady Hall used a valiant stretch drive to get up in the final strides of the featured event, a $30,000 Indiana Gold Sire Stakes for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings, at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Wednesday, August 7, and lowered the track record in the process.
With Ricky Macomber Jr. at the lines, Just A Steady Hall trotted in 1:55.2, taking one fifth of a second off the previous track record for three-year-old colts on the trot, a record set by Sand Royal Blu and Tyler Smith in the first round of the sire stakes action earlier this year. The 1:55.2 victory marks the 10th track record that has been lowered over Hoosier Park’s seven-eighths mile oval in 2013.
Leaving from post four in the eight-horse field, Just A Steady Hall was eased off the gate to find a spot along the rail in fourth. Fearless Man and driver Brad Hanners were the quickest off the gate from post one and the duo secured the lead past the first panel in :27.2. Super Rock and Charlie Conrad benefited from a pocket trip while the public's choice, Natural Herbie, followed intently in third.
Macomber was content to sit along the rail in fourth with Just A Steady Hall while Verlin Yoder was unable to wait any longer and had Natural Herbie out and firing at the leader. Fearless Man yielded the lead to Natural Herbie, who led the field through the next two splits in :58 and 1:26.3.
Tyler Smith and Sand Royal Blu poised a large threat on the outside, but only managed to reach the leader’s wheel as the field turned for home. Natural Herbie was able to put away Sand Royal Blu, but was no match for the late-surging Just A Steady Hall. Using a :27.4 final panel, Just A Steady Hall stormed home to finish a length in front of Natural Herbie. Fearless Man battled gamely to round out the trifecta.
Slightly dismissed at 7-1, Just A Steady Hall returned $17 for the victory.
Conditioned by Hoosier Park’s leading trainer, Ron Burke, Just A Steady Hall notched his fourth win from nine seasonal outings. The sophomore son of Justice Hall has now won five of 22 career outings while amassing over $65,000 lifetime for his connections at Burke Racing Stable.
The third leg of the Indiana Gold Sire Stakes for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings will continue on Wednesday, August 21 at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. The four-leg series will culminate with a $200,000 final slated for September 11 at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino.
Live racing at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino will continue on Thursday, August 8 with a 14-race card highlighted by the $10,000 Indiana Silver Stakes for two-year-old trotting fillies and colts and two-year-old pacing colts.
(Hoosier Park)