Homicide Hunter turned in a gritty performance to find the winner’s circle Friday night at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in the final round of $20,000 Indiana Sires Stakes eliminations for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings, extending his win streak to 12 in the process.
Curt Grummel’s Homicide Hunter battled back gamely in the lane to win by a nose in 1:55.3 and remain undefeated in his sophomore season.
Leaving from the outside post nine, driver John DeLong sent Homicide Hunter away from the gate firing, but they would have to work for position as a host of others also left aggressively. Bluebird Reverend and Rick Farrington were the first to get a call through the opening panel in :27, but were quickly joined on the outside by Hominy Hill and Trace Tetrick. Hominy Hill cleared to the front at the second station in :57.3 and continued to call the shots to the three-quarters in 1:27.
Unable to find a spot along the rail, Homicide Hunter continued his long, first-over journey to the front and reached the leader’s wheel approaching the final turn. As the field squared away for home, Homicide Hunter was able to stick a nose in front, but Hominy Hill wasn’t going away.
Just when it looked as if the taxing mile was beginning to take its toll, Homicide Hunter found another gear and dug in gamely to get the win in the final strides of the mile over a track rated "good." Hominy Hill held on for second-place honours while Bluebird Reverend finished third.
As the overwhelming favourite, Homicide Hunter returned $3.20 at the betting windows.
The 15-time career winner has now amassed $304,886 for his owner Dr. Patrick Graham. With the win, the son of Mr Cantab-Evening Prayer has earned his spot in the last $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes final slated for Saturday, September 19 at Hoosier Park. The victory was also one of three wins on the 14-race card for driver John DeLong.
Steal N Gas and Andy Shetler were victorious in the opening elimination for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings, scoring in 1:57.3. Trained, owned and bred by Bill Cottongim, Steal N Gas scored his third consecutive victory and ninth lifetime win.
Indiana Sires Stakes continue at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Saturday, September 12 with two $20,000 divisions for two-year-old pacing colts. Post time has been adjusted to 4:00 p.m.
(With files from Hoosier Park)