by Emily Gaskin, for Hoosier Park Racing and Casino

Anderson, IN — Favorites prevailed in the second round of the Jerry Landess Series at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Thursday (April 5).

Linscott Photography

Our Lucky Chip and Trace Tetrick were 1:55.1 winners on Thursday.

The 1-9 betting favorite Our Lucky Chip visited Hoosier Park’s winner’s circle for the second consecutive time in his second start of the season. Driven by Trace Tetrick, the 3-year-old colt showed his inexperience behind the gate as he was a touch hesitant in his approach.

Ed Hensley and Prolabra left alertly from post eight to reach the front in a first quarter time of :28. James Z Tam and Ricky Macomber, Jr. opted out of a two hole trip to move to the front down the backside, reaching the half in :58.2. Sam Widger gave W White Comet the cue to make a brisk run at the leader just past the half with Our Lucky Chip in tow.

W White Comet reached the leader’s wheel, only to yield the lead to the bettor’s choice. With a three-quarter time in 1:27.1, Our Lucky Chip and Tetrick never looked back as they began to pull away from the ten horse field down the lane. The Art’s Chip colt was well in hand at the wire, stopping the clock in 1:55.1 to win by 6-1/2 lengths.

“This is a very nice colt,” Trace Tetrick said of his mount. “He’s a green colt but when he gets it all figured out I think he will be a very tough colt to beat.”

Our Lucky Chip will be one of the likely favorites in the $15,000 Jerry Landess final on Thursday (April 12).

“I like my chances with him next week,” Tetrick said. “He’s very competitive in that class of horses and if he stays as good as he was tonight he will be very good next week.”

Trace Tetrick also took the first division of the late closer with Freaky Flyer for trainer John Arrowood. The 4-year-old son of Dontgetinmyway scored his first win of the year in a career best 1:57.1. The slight bettor’s choice took advantage of an easy second quarter to make his move to the front. Yielding to the pocket trip was Peter Wrenn and Lucky Ivan who finished second as ER Pacman and Don Eash finished a closing third. Freaky Flyer is owned Shelly Deters.

Heavy betting favorite Artychoke took home third division honors as he found the winner’s circle in a lifetime best of 1:55. Driver Sam Widger made quick work of the ten horse field as he moved the Art’s Chip colt to the lead just past the quarter mark in :27.1. The 3-year-old colt led through fractions of :56.3 and 1:27. Wilbur’s Z Tam and driver Ricky Macomber, Jr. made a move down the long Hoosier Park stretch only to finish second by a half-length. Mack Straight and driver Tyler Smith made a bold first over bid, but Artychoke responded with a :28 closing panel leaving Mack Straight to finish third. Artychoke is trained by Art Gregory, Jr. and owned by Dennis Brightwell.

Hash Slingnslashr had his work cut out for him as he started from the outside in post position nine in his division. Driver Ed Hensley made an early decision for position as he sent the 4-year-old stallion to the front through an opening panel of :28.1. The betting favorite Country Roads made his move to the lead down the backside as Hensley yielded for a pocket trip. Country Roads and Dave Magee led the field of nine through a leisurely half in 1:00.2. Hash Slingnslashr made his way through traffic to march home in a quick :27.3 final quarter and posted a lifetime best performance of 1:57.4. Sired by Carlsbad Cam, Hash Slingnslashr is owned and trained by Ron Otto.

Cage Fighter and Adam Short staged a big rally late to take their division of the Landess action by four lengths in 1:56.3 with a closing panel of :27.4. Tyber Tyke and driver Peter Wrenn finished second as Mc Chip and Trace Tetrick finished third. Cage Fighter is trained by Adam Short and owned by John McGill and Lavon Miller.

For more information on the live racing meet and promotions at Hoosier Park, go to www.hoosierpark.com.