Matrix Of Luck and Tyler Smith made a clean sweep of the fourth round of Indiana Sires Stakes action after they captured the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes final for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings Thursday at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino.
With a final time of 1:53, Matrix Of Luck notched his fourth consecutive victory at Hoosier Park and became the sport’s newest $100,000 earner after the victory.
Leaving from post two in a talented group of 10, Matrix of Luck was unhurried from the gate and found a spot along the rail in fourth while LeWayne Miller had Mystical Rock out and firing from post seven. Mystical Rock dictated first half fractions of :27.1 and :55.4 while stablemate Legere and Trace Tetrick benefitted from a pocket seat.
Smith made his game winning move down the backside as he pointed Matrix Of Luck to the lead approaching the final turn and the colt quickly grabbed command just before the three quarter clocking in 1:24.4. As the field turned for home, Downthehighwy was the first to apply pressure from first-over and the stage was set for an epic stretch battle to the wire.
Matrix Of Luck was able to put away Downthehighwy late in the lane but Mystical Rock loomed large in the pocket. Miller was able to find late racing room with Mystical Rock but Matrix Of Luck wasn’t done. Using a :28.1 final quarter, Matrix Of Luck dug in gamely to get the win by a neck over Mystical Rock. Legere rallied strongly in the lane to finish third. As the public’s choice, Matrix Of Luck returned $4.80 at the betting window.
“He’s a super nice colt to sit behind,” Smith noted in the winner’s circle. “I’ve got to thank his connections for letting me drive him. I’ve got a lot of confidence in the colt and they’ve done a great job with him all season. He just seems to get better every week; he always shows up and does his job.”
Trained by Roger Cullipher, Matrix Of Luck notched the fifth win of his young career from just nine lifetime outings. Owned by Brian Carsey, John McGill, and Debbie Cullipher, the son of Rockin Image-My Taylors Maid pushed his lifetime bankroll to $128,000. The victory was one of four wins on the 14-race card for Smith.
(Hoosier Park)