Anderson, IN – Different night, same story for Dan D Man Can.
Driven by Atlee Bender for trainer Erv Miller, Dan D Man Can won the $96,500 fifth leg of the Indiana Sire Stakes for 3-year-old male trotters to continue his perfect start to 2026 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park on Thursday (July 30).
Meanwhile, Dancingdreamer found his form, winning the sixth leg of the $94,500 INSS 3-year-old colts and geldings pace, also with Bender in the bike as part of a five-win evening for the driver.
Trotting out of post 2, Dan D Man Can snagged the second spot off the wings, where he left as the 2-5 favorite. As a result, it was smooth sailing out of the gate for August Salazar (driven by John DeLong) to lead the field at the first turn in :27.3. Cruising out of third, Swan Affect (Marcus Miller) got past Dan D Man Can and August Salazar to take command to the half-mile mark in :57.2. Dan D Man Can transitioned to the outside upon arrival at the turn, taking aim at the leader first-over. Swan Affect led to the final turn at three-quarters in 1:25.2 with Dan D Man Can right on his heels.
Turning for home, Dan D Man Can wore down the leader, willing his way to the to the helm. August Salazar found an extra gear from third to put in a late bid, but Dan D Man Can was decisive to the wire for his seventh straight win in 1:53.1 by a quarter-length. Inverness Ave (Kevin Lambright) got up for third at 30-1, with Pilot’s Lucky Day (Brad Ferguson) rounding out the super at 38-1.
The winning Dover Dan gelding is owned by Red Barn Stable, Stepbystep Racing, and Lava Java Stable. The Dan D Man Can was bred by Homestead Acres. Dan D Man Can remained undefeated in 2026 and boosted his lifetime earnings to $339,965. He paid $2.80 to win.
Rallying late, Dancingdreamer, driven by Bender for new trainer Tyler George, took a new lifetime mark in winning the $94,500 six leg of INSS for sophomore male pacers in 1:49.
On the outside looking in from post 7, Dancingdreamer accelerated to an early lead at the first turn in :26.2. Swiss Lights (Trace Tetrick) motored on the right after passing on the two-hole trip. Favorite Aces And Cinches (Kyle Wilfong) paced from third to arrive first at the halfway mark in :54.2. The field remained unchanged to the three-quarters in 1:22.3 with Aces And Chinches, Swiss Lights, and Dancingdreamer leading the way.
The three-horse race didn’t disappoint down the stretch, with Dancingdreamer picking up a head of steam to hit the wire in first by a quarter of a length. Aces And Cinches held for second, Swiss Lights was third.
Owned by Desyllas Racing LLC, William Beck, and Jeffry Eckburg, Dancingdreamer was bred by Luckiana Farm. Dancingdreamer claimed his third win of the season, increasing his lifetime earnings to $293,475.
Including Dan D Man Can and Dancingdreamer, Bender had five wins on the 14-race program, securing trips to the winner’s circle with Meadowbrook Mark (race 2), Tarzan (race 7), and Assistant Coach (race 13).
Two-year-old INSS actions returns Friday (July 31) at Hoosier with the trotting colts and geldings in races 2 and 4. Friday’s 14-race card features the $10,000 guaranteed Late Pick-4 and the $10,000 guaranteed Late Hoosier High-5, done in partnership with the USTA’s Strategic Wagering Program.