Art Official recovers from miscue to win in 1:51.3

Although the Fox Stake may have been the highlight of the Grand Circuit card at the Indiana State Fair, all eyes were on world champion Art Official. The three-year-old colt won the $28,979 Horseman contest in 1:51.3, but not without a little drama. Driven by Travis Seekman, the millionaire became rough-gaited on the backstretch before recovering and going on to win by six and one-half lengths.

“There was water drainage on the backstretch and created a dark strip about two feet wide,” said Seekman, the 18-year-old son of trainer Joe Seekman, explained later. “When he saw it, he started pulling up a bit and took a couple steps.”

Starting from post four in the five-horse field, Art Official was fourth at the quarter and had just brushed to the lead when the incident took place near the half-mile marker (:56.4). He relinquished the lead but was soon underway again, taking control from Dr McSteamie after the three-quarter-mile marker. The Sawgrass Farms-owned entry closed out the mile with an easy :27.4 final panel. Handsome Prince finished second and Dr McSteamie held on for third.

“Sometimes when things go bad they spiral,” the trainer said of Art Official’s incident on the backstretch. “But he overcame it. The track was fast and we’re glad to bring him back to Indiana.”

With the victory, Art Official improved his record to eight wins in 14 starts this season. The victory also pushed the colt’s bankroll to just over $987,000. The connections are now considering supplementing the Meadowlands Pace winner to the Cane Pace at a cost of $35,000.

“He’s just as sharp as when he won the Meadowlands Pace,” Joe Seekman added. “I need to talk it over with the owner (James Jesk).”

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