Claudius Augustus invades Hoosier Park and wins

Claudius Augustus is looking to rule over a new empire as he coasted home to victory in the $23,000 Invitational Trot Saturday, March 27 at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino.

 

Driven by Hoosier Park newcomer Lemoyne  “Moony” Svendsen, the 6-year-old stallion trotted under the wire in 1:56.1 to earn his fifth win in six starts for 2010 at his new location.

 

Starting from the center of the pack, Claudius Augustus made his presence known early, leaving for a spot near the front and content to follow Blowlowsanta and Elliott Deaton through the first half in :27.4 and :58.0. Horses began to gather on the outside to get closer to the leaders around the final turn but Svendsen sat patiently until the stretch before making his move.

 

In the lane, Claudius Augustus shot out like a rocket from the pack and began pulling away with every stride. By the time he had reached the finish line, the son of Angus Hall had nearly a six-length advantage over the field. Azur and Jay Cross rallied home well from the back of the pack for second while Blowlowsanta stayed close for third.

 

Claudius Augustus is now on a four-race win streak. He is nearing the $200,000 mark in career earnings and established a new career best time of 1:53.3 last season at Indiana Downs. 

 

Trained by Bob Johnson, Claudius Augustus now has 19 career wins in 38 starts. He is owned by Debbie Budahn of Rolling Hills Estates, Calif. Johnson, who just arrived to Indiana from the California racing circuit, is stabled at Hoosier Park for the first time this season. The veteran trainer has competed at Indiana Downs in recent years but traveled east earlier this season to partake in the action at Hoosier Park. Johnson has more than 1,700 career wins as a trainer and currently has 12 horses in training in Indiana. (Hoosier Park)