Landess Series underway at Hoosier

The first round of the Jerry Landess Series got underway Wednesday at Hoosier Park featuring two divisions of the $4,000 leg. The series will offer one more preliminary round before heading into the $14,000 final set for Wednesday, April 23.

Showcasing the first division was My Man Moe and driver Rick Farrington. Starting from post three, the duo grabbed an early seat near the front, following along as Rockinmyway and Roger Cullipher led the way through fractions of :26.3, :57.1 and 1:27. Trained by Russ Beeman, My Man Moe looked comfortable and content throughout the race.

By the time the field had hit the stretch, Farrington had My Man Moe out and rolling for home, moving by the leaders with ease. Another challenger had the same intentions. Johnny’s Treasure and Joe Essig Jr. were on the move and became the horse to chase down in the stretch.

In the end, My Man Moe was the strongest, winning by one length in a time of 1:56.2 over Johnny’s Treasure. This Guy Can Fly and Don Eash rounded out the trifecta.

“This horse (My Man Moe) was a little aggressive leaving, but he quickly settled,” said Farrington. “He’s not real impressive by himself, but he wakes up around other horses. We got lucky tonight to find room late and move through for the win. He got a good trip.”

My Man Moe returned $10.40, $3.80, and $2.20 across the board. The 3-year-old son of Electric Yankee is owned by Beeman's wife, Jackie, and their daughter, Melissa Goodman. My Man Moe earned his first career win in only his third career start for the Beeman family.

“This colt (My Man Moe) just didn’t have it together last year as a 2 year old,” said Farrington. “He only started twice. He’s come back pretty well this year. We kind of expected him to race well, but we didn’t know if he would win or not.”

Farrington assists Beeman with a stable of 12 horses, located both at the family farm in nearby Alexandria, Ind. as well as on the grounds at Hoosier Park. Goodman also plays an important role in the day to day operations of the stable.

“We named this horse after our cousin, who goes by the name of Moe,” said Goodman. “We’ve always told him we’d name a horse after him. When we bought him (My Man Moe) from the yearling sale, we decided it would be a good horse to name after him.”

In the second division of Landess action, Blue Punch roared to the lead early and withstood the competition until the end, living up to track handicapper Stan Bayless’ best bet of the night selection. Blue Punch crossed the wire in a time of 1:56.1, four lengths ahead of the next closest contender.

As the heavy favorite, Blue Punch did not disappoint his followers. He paid $2.80, $2.20, and $2.10 across the board for his efforts. Don’t Skip Charlie and Jason Dillander held steady for second over Love The Band and Don Eash, who also held their positioning for third.

Blue Punch, also lightly raced at two, earned his first career win in the effort. Owned by Rex Jackson and Ron Pearson of Muncie, the 3-year-old Pilgrim’s Punch gelding is trained by Pearson. Shawn Christner earned the driving victory behind Blue Punch. (Hoosier Park)

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