Robin I Scoot becomes fastest Hoosier State-bred ever

Robin I Scoot and driver Peter Wrenn turned in a sizzling performance to become the fastest Indiana-sired horse ever at Hoosier Park Racing and Casino Tuesday. The duo turned in a time of 1:49.3 in the $25,000 Invitational Pace, which is only the second time a race has dipped below the 1:50 time barrier at the Anderson, Ind. track outside of the signature Dan Patch Invitational in the 16-year history of the facility.

Starting from post four, Wrenn allowed Robin I Scoot to get out quick, obtaining the lead by the quarter-mile marker in :26.2. The pace of the race kept up as Rocket Fuel and Dan Shetler rolled to the lead, clearing Robin I Scoot just as the timer posted :54.2 at the marker. Around the turn, other horses began to get in on the move forward, leaving Benns Superman first up on the outside to challenge for Walter Haynes Jr.

“This is a nice horse with easy speed,” said Wrenn. “He went to the lead on his own at the start, so I didn’t want to deny him since this was the first time I’d driven him. Once the other horse (Rocket Fuel) went to the lead, he settled in behind him fine. That is a nice horse to follow.”

In the stretch, the battle was on. Rocket Fuel would not give an inch as Benns Superman continued to attack from the outside. Robin I Scoot was eagerly awaiting an opportunity to join in on the battle. In the last sixteenth of the mile, room opened up on the inside and Robin I Scoot took advantage, getting through for the victory by only one-half length. Rocket Fuel maintained second while Benns Superman didn’t stray far to finish third.

“We were just waiting for room in the stretch and we got lucky the inside opened up,” said Wrenn. “The time surprised me, but now knowing what a nice horse this is, and also the other horse (Rocket Fuel,) it doesn’t surprise me now they went that much.”

Robin I Scoot, Indiana’s 2008 Horse of the Year, now has two wins in seven outings for 2009. The 4-year-old son of I Scoot Hanover increased his bankroll to more than $333,000 with the win, his 21st career trip to the winner’s circle for the Shady Lane Meadows group of Grabill, Ind. Dan Perdue trains Robin I Scoot, who lowered his career best time by two full seconds.

Earlier in the evening, it was all Hoosier Cadillac on cruise control to win the $25,000 Invitational Trot. Steered by Shetler, the 7-year-old Ripken’s Victory gelding ran into road trouble early due to a breaking opponent, so his road to victory was fought from behind.

Through fractions of :26.2, :55.4, and 1:26.3 set by Blowlowsanta and Elliott Deaton, Hoosier Cadillac got in position for the stretch drive home, posting a final panel in :26.2 to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Miss DW Chip rallied home in second over ABC Mercedes and Mark O’Mara, who recovered from a break at the top of the stretch to pick up third.

Hoosier Cadillac also turned in the fastest trotting mile of the season with his 1:54 win. The effort was his first of the season for owner Mel Gilbert of Hawkinsville, Ga. and his wife, Sally, who serves as trainer. The gelding now has more than $150,000 in career earnings for the Gilberts, who have campaigned the trotter his entire career. (Hoosier Park)

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