Freshman trotting colts were the featured attraction at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in the fourth round of $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes finals on Wednesday, September 14.
After a third-place finish in the eliminations last week at Hoosier Park, Jesse V and Ricky Macomber Jr. rebounded nicely to score in 1:57.3 and become the sport’s newest $100,000 winner in the process.
Leaving from post five in a talented field of 10, Jesse V left vigilantly, but would have to work for position as a host of others also left aggressively. After a costly break at the start by the post time favourite, Jesse Stone and Trace Tetrick, the race appeared to be wide open.
Herbies Wild Child was hustled off the gate by driver Rick Farrington, but it was My Uncle Cuz and Don Harmon who would get the first call through the opening panel in :29.2. Jesse V was unable to find a spot along the rail and continued to press on to the lead, eventually grabbing command at the half in :59.
Things continued to be eventful on the front end as Joe Essig Jr. had Rockin Mania on an assignment to the front approaching the final turn. Rockin Mania continued to call the shots at the three-quarter clocking in 1:28.4, but was bracing for the stretch battle that was about to arise.
Macomber Jr. tipped Jesse V from the pocket and he found another gear to win by a length and a half over a hard-charging My Uncle Cuz. Rockin Mania held on gamely for third. Jesse V returned $6.60 to his backers at the betting windows.
“He’s been a very nice colt since day one,” winning trainer Mark P’Pool noted in the winner’s circle. “He trained down with older pacers all winter and he was able to stay right with them. He’s a very nice colt to be around and seems to be getting better with every start.”
The son of Jailhouse Jesse-Louisas Victory scored the second win of his young career from 10 starts. His maiden-breaking victory came in the last $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes Final at Hoosier Park in late August. Owned by Frank Baldachino, Earl Smith, Mark P’Pool, and Northern Lane Farm, Jesse V sent his career earnings over the $100,000 mark as he has now amassed $112,500 for his connections.
The Indiana Sires Stakes action will carry on at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Thursday, September 15 with the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes final and $25,000 consolation for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings.
(With files from Hoosier Park)