EJ's Copperstone captures Sire Stakes in 1:55.3 at Hoosier

EJ’s Copperstone and Don Irvine Jr. had a blowout victory in the first leg of the Indiana Sire Stakes for 3-year-old filly pacers at Hoosier Park Friday. The Indiana-bred pacer crossed the line in 1:55.3 to earn the $12,000 purse.

Electric’s Winner and driver Ricky Macomber Jr. had an early 2 1/2-length lead at the quarter-mile marker in :28.1. Heading toward the half-way point, EJ’s Copperstone came sweeping from fifth to take the lead.

Nothing could stop EJ’s Copperstone after that. She kept going into the wind down the stretch without looking back with a lead of 6 1/4 lengths at the line. Our Dear Nicole, controlled by Don Eash, and Lightning Lil, with driver Brad Hanners, rounded out the top three.

“I used the wind to push her (EJ’s Copperstone) on the backside and not use energy,” Irvine Jr. said. “I had a good hold on her and knew I could control the race from the half-way mark.”

Despite the heavy wind, which can take precious seconds off the time, Don Irvine Jr. led EJ’s Copperstone to a victory on her first start back this year. Owned by L.J. Stone and Philip Hawk of Gaston and trained by Steve Gray, EJ’s Copperstone returned $3.40, $2.80, and $2.10. The daughter of Lease On Life earned seven wins in nine outings last year at two and more than $100,000 in earnings. Her best time was taken at Indiana Downs in 1:53.2. (Hoosier Park)

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