Foxy Maneuveur takes prep

Foxy Maneuver and trainer-driver-owner Don Eash won the $23,000 Invitational Handicap in 1:50.2 Saturday night at Hoosier Park, besting a field that included defending Dan Patch Invitational winner Maltese Artist. The event showcased five of the horses headed to the $200,000 Dan Patch Invitational Pace next Saturday, April 29.

Foxy Maneuver was eased away from the gate in fourth position as Spirit Of A Shark and Walter Haynes Jr. set the pace, posting early fractions of :26 and :54.3. Never leaving the inside path, Foxy Maneuver maintained position until the stretch drive.

Eash eased out on the back of Maltese Artist and Mike Wilder, drafting along until halfway down the lane. One more tip to the outside gave the 7-year-old Armbro Maneuver gelding a straight shot at the wire, posting the win by 2 1/4 lengths. Spirit Of A Shark finished second over Rebelman and Joe Essig Jr., who slid up the inside for third.

“We wanted to get away with the outside horses,” said Eash. “I really didn’t plan the trip, but it worked out perfect for us. I pulled him out in the stretch and he just went right on by Maltese Artist. He was really live in the race tonight. I have had some sickness in the barn lately and I think he picked up a little something last week. He wasn’t on top of his game in his last race.”

Foxy Maneuver returned $15.20, $6.00, and $3.80 across the board. The Indiana-sired gelding now has in excess of $735,000. The win was the 41st of his career.

The $200,000 Dan Patch Invitational is the premier event at Hoosier Park. Several promotions will complement the evening of racing, including a special guest appearance by Tom Wopat, who played on the television series “The Dukes Of Hazzard.” Also, a Viking Epic Fold Down camper will be given away courtesy of Modern Trailer Sales of Anderson, Ind. Gates will open early for the event at 5 p.m. with the first race heading to the gate at 6:45 p.m.

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