Rob V, Bernardi score ISS wins at Indy Downs

Sophomore colt pacers were featured Saturday evening, August 29 at Indiana Downs as two $25,000 divisions of Indiana Sires Stakes highlighted the 13-race card. The favorites didn’t fare well in either contest, as Rob V and Bernardi paid $17.60 and $12.80 with their respective victories. Saturday’s races were the third of four preliminary rounds leading up to a $150,000 final, slated for September 12.

 

In the first $25,000 split Rob V and Brad Hanners wired the field before holding on by a nose in 1:53. The Electric Yankee gelding fought off King Me and Dan Shetler at the wire. Jd’s Caleb Man and trainer Trent Stohler finished third while favorite Got ‘Er Done placed fifth.

 

Owned and trained by Steve Brannan, Rob V improved his seasonal record to four wins in 16 starts. The gelding has earned $50,090 in 2009, and established a new lifetime mark with the victory. Out of Albatross mare Sugarene Hanover, Rob V’s last score came in the $30,000 Indiana Sires Stakes consolation at Hoosier Park, held July 11.

 

Bernardi and Trace Tetrick captured the second division Saturday night, pacing to a 1:54.2 score for trainer Mary Konieczki. Matts Image, driven by Sam Widger, crossed the wire half a length back in second while favorite Evening Job rounded out the trifecta. Sent off as the second-choice by bettors, the Kingsbridge colt settled in third for Tetrick through a :57.3 opening half before moving first up and kicking home in :26.2.

 

Bernardi, out of Laag mare The Bess Laag, picked up his sixth win from 21 starts. Champion of the $150,000 Indiana Sires Stakes final at Hoosier Park, the colt has earned $142,170 for the Par IV Stable of Beecher, Ill. this season.