Search Engine dominates ISS action

George McClarnon’s Search Engine collected his fifth straight win Saturday, July 14, this time pacing to a 1:53 victory in the $12,000 opening leg of Indiana Sires Stakes for sophomore colts at Indiana Downs. Driven by Mark O’Mara, the 1-9 favorite crossed the wire nearly six lengths in front.

“That was a great trip for him,” commented trainer Dave White. “He likes to follow horses, but you can race him any way.”

Search Engine was shuffled to second early in the mile after starting from the rail, racing behind pacesetter Dontgetintheway and Trace Tetrick. The leader clicked off fractions of :27.2, :55.1 and 1:25.2 before carrying the field to the top of the stretch. In the lane O’Mara tipped Search Engine and the duo sprinted by, drawing away easily at the wire. Dontgetintheway was second, while Fun Time and Don Irvine Jr. were third.

In the second $12,000 ISS division, the seventh race on the program, 23-1 Direct Lease split horses in the lane and upset favorite Rocket Fuel with a 1:53.2 performance. Driven by trainer Brandon Bates, the Lease On Life colt earned his third career victory and first in stakes competition.

“He’s just getting stronger. He’s just now learning what to do,” Bates said of the colt, owned by Jason Young of Ohio. “Fortunately there was a crease late and he went through like a good horse.”

Racing second to Bob’s Alibi and Walter Haynes Jr. throughout the circuit, Bates moved Direct Lease off the pylons at the head of the stretch and then waited for daylight. Rocket Fuel and Jay Cross, racing first over, took control and looked to add another win before Direct Lease found room to the inside, relegating them to second.

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