ABC Valentine wins 1st, Mya Tri wins 14th

ABC Valentine and driver Don Eash beat out the field of eight to win the third leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes Thursday at Hoosier Park. The duo crossed the line in a winning time of 1:59.1 for the $12,000 purse for 3-year-old trotting fillies. Mya Tri won the other ISS division to remain unbeaten over her career.

Belle Peppa, controlled by Mark O’Mara, had an early lead out of the gate which she held coming to the quarter-mile mark in :28.1. Impressive Jill, with Dan O’Mara in the sulky, was first-up at the half followed by ABC Valentine and Deputy Julianna and driver Mike Hollenback.

Impressive Jill took the lead heading to the three-quarter mark, but was challenged by ABC Valentine, who came out from behind cover around the turn. ABC Valentine took the lead in the stretch with Deputy Julianna and Belle Peppa battling behind her. ABC Valentine prevailed for first by one length over Deputy Julianna. Belle Peppa finished third.

“I felt confident about halfway down the stretch,” said Eash. “I heard the horses behind her, but they were not gaining. She (ABC Valentine) still had some trot left in her so I was comfortable the last half.”

The victory behind ABC Valentine was Eash’s second of three wins for the night. It was the first lifetime win for ABC Valentine. She is owned by Eash Racing Stable of Greenfield, Ind. and trained by Eash.

Mya Tri, driven by Walter Haynes Jr., took command at the halfway mark to win the other division, stretching her unbeaten streak to 14, including three this year.

Ranger Nan, controlled by Brooke Nickells, raced out of the gate to take an early lead, with Savage Seducer, guided by Jim Shelton, and JS Miss Clare, managed by Mark O’Mara, right behind. Reaching the quarter mile mark in :28.2, Ranger Nan held a commanding two-length lead over the field.

Approaching the halfway mark in :59.3, Mya Tri passed Ranger Nan to take control of the lead. At the three-quarter mile mark in 1:28.4, Mya Tri began to show her dominance, pulling away to a 5 ½-length victory at the wire in 1:57.1, a new career best time. Ranger Nan was a solid second. JS Miss Clare finished third.

“She felt strong and is really sharp right now,” Haynes said. “It’s the best she’s been this year.”

Owned by Haynes and Bob Wientjes, Mya Tri has earned over $142,000 in her lifetime. The 3-year-old Pining Fora Tri filly returned $2.60, $2.60, and $2.10 for her performance. She is trained by Sara Haynes.

The fourth leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes will be held Thursday, June 12. The final will be held Saturday, June 28, with the winner receiving the largest portion of the estimated $100,000 purse. The race will be part of a special evening where purses will exceed $1 million, including the featured $500,000 (est.) Hoosier Cup for 3-year-old pacers. (Hoosier Park)

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