JSC Merit Raise 5-for-5

Chivas Merit gelding JSC Merit Raise remained undefeated Thursday, Aug. 31 with a nine and one-half length romp in Indiana Sires Stakes competition at Indiana Downs, stopping the clock in 2:01.2. Owned by Jeff and Sharon Bislich, the freshman trotter is now five-for-five for his career.

Driver Mark O’Mara and the favorite lined up behind the gate in the eighth post position in the evening’s first contest, getting away second over in fourth at the quarter (:29.4). Trainer Paul Huffman’s charge didn't see the pylons through a majority of the backstretch, racing first over at the :59.4 half before taking command on the way to the three-quarter-mile marker. JSC Merit Raise extended to a seven-length lead at the top of the stretch before posting a :31 final panel to continue his winning streak. Kozmo DFC (Ricky Macomber Jr.) finished second while Note To Groovey (Charlie Conrad) was third.

JSC Merit Raise swept the first round of sires stakes competition, including the $52,900 final held Friday, Aug. 18. The only foal from American Winner mare Americana, the gelding has earned more than $46,000 this season.

In the second $8,000 division Atlantis Secret trotted to a 2:02.3 victory. The Keep It A Secret colt, coming off a third-place effort in the series one final, collected his fourth win of the season. He was driven to victory by trainer Doug Rideout. The favorite, owned in partnership by Dr. Alan White and Julie Rideout, finished three-quarters of a length in front of DC Northern and Mike Hollenback. Luckie Elmer and Brandon Bates were third.

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