Freshman trotters featured in ISS action at Indiana Downs

Indiana Downs played host to the second round of Indiana Sires Stakes action for freshman trotters Monday, August 4. Two $15,000 divisions were offered for two year old colts, with another pair for trotting fillies. Mark O’Mara steered home two of the four winners.

Livnluvn Bluegrass improved her record to two wins in as many starts for Dr. Luel Overstreet in the first race on the card. Driven by Rick Farrington, the daughter of Keep It A Secret raced near the back early before picking up cover from Ooh La La Lucy and Jeff Edwards. Second to Lunar Toon at the top of the stretch, the 3-5 favorite closed out the mile with a :29.1 final panel, winning in 2:00.3. Doug Rideout and Lunar Toon (SOS Lunar Eclipse) finished four and three-quarter lengths back in second while Dynamic Moves (Super Ben Joe) was third. John Merkel trains the filly, now a winner of $15,000 in two starts.

In the second split for filly trotters, O’Mara and Mayfair Segredo used a burst of speed late to score a 2:01.3 victory. Racing third throughout the mile, the Keep It A Secret filly appeared locked in along the rail before O’Mara left the pylons and angled five-wide to find room. Once in the clear, Mayfair Segredo kicked home for her first career victory. DM Sparkling Sea (Dakota Spur) was placed second by judges and Sis Boom Syrah was elevated to third. The filly is trained by Rodney Bartlett, who bred and co-owns the winner with Jacqueline Wherry.

Sunny Ben Joe turned in the fastest time of the day, winning his $15,000 ISS division for colt trotters in 2:00.2. O’Mara guided the Alvin Miller trainee to a wire-to-wire triumph, cruising to a two-length victory. ABCDE (ABC Garland), the longest shot on the board, flew home in :28.4 to take second and S J Mr Prince (Prince Pine) rounded out the trifecta. The Super Ben Joe gelding, a winner in five of six starts, is owned by Lee Brook Farms of New Jersey.

Bluebird Notable won a scratch-shortened second split in 2:02.2. Driven by Trent Stohler for trainer Joe Putnam, the gelded son of New And Notable finished a length and a quarter in front of Hassical (Harrys Star Ranger). Sheridan’s Glory (Sheridan) came on late in the mile to pick up third. Bluebird Notable is co-owned by Putnam and Dr. James Johnson. It was the second seasonal win in three starts for the freshman.

« Back