Blue Punch remains unbeaten at Hoosier

An inside post and undefeated record proved to be lethal for the 11 opponents against Blue Punch Wednesday in the Tubby Trimble Series at Hoosier Park. Blue Punch and driver Shawn Christner were in complete control, picking up a new lifetime mark of 1:55 over the sloppy surface.

Starting from post one, Blue Punch had a straight shot for the lead early, but Ricky Macomber Jr. placed Hoosier Alibi on the attack early, grabbing the top spot in :26.4. As soon as the field stretched out down the backstretch, Brad Hanners and Southern Pee Wee were up to challenge, taking a brief lead before Don Irvine Jr. and Forthoseabouttorok took over at the half in :56.2.

Blue Punch had eased to the outside behind Forthoseabouttorok at the half and was left no choice but to hurry ahead to the lead. Around the final turn, Southern Pee Wee was back out to challenge, but could only reach Blue Punch’s wheel at the top of the stretch. Blue Punch powered on as the field spanned out across the track for one last try at the undefeated gelding. In the end Blue Punch was a winner by more than two lengths ahead of Rowdy Rowdy and Charlie Conrad, who slid up the inside to finish second. Hoosier Alibi was the widest of all for third.

Blue Punch is now five for five and earnings of more than $21,000 in the process. The sophomore son of Pilgrim’s Punch is owned by Rex Jackson and Ron Pearson of Muncie. Pearson also serves as trainer for the standout Indiana-bred.

Christner picked up his third win of the evening with Blue Punch. The northern Indiana native is among the top 15 in the standings for 2008.

The top 10 money earners in the Tubby Trimble preliminary legs will roll into the $16,000 final set for Wednesday, May 21. (Hoosier Park)

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