by Ryan Hubbard, Hoosier Park Publicity Department

Big Boy Josh and trainer-driver Charlie Conrad rallied strong in the stretch to win the $22,000 Invitational Trot Saturday, May 13 at Hoosier Park. The impressive performance by the six-year-old enabled him to win from between horses, trotting the mile in 1:57.0. The winning effort was also good enough for his fifth win of the season.

“It’s not hard to drive a good horse,” said Conrad. “I just point him (Big Boy Josh) and he rolls. The track seemed a bit tiring if you had to leave early like we did. This was the first time I raced him with an open bridle.”

Jim Linscott photo

Big Boy Josh and trainer-driver Charlie Conrad rallied in the stretch to win the $22,000 Invitational Trot Saturday at Hoosier Park. The six-year-old trotted the mile in 1:57.0.

Big Boy Josh shot right out of the gate to get good early position behind post-time favorite Universal Star and driver Brad Irvine. Stalking the leader around the clubhouse turn, Big Boy Josh moved back to third and fourth after a few horses took a chance for the lead.

Despite a three-length deficit in the stretch, Big Boy Josh turned on the boosters and Conrad had his top trotter in striking position. Battling with five horses across the track in deep stretch, Big Boy Josh gave it all he had to win by one-half length. Two Weeks Notice and driver Rick Farrington held on to finish second. Los Barvos and driver Dan Shetler Jr. rounded out the trifecta.

“He (Big Boy Josh) raced great when he got a little room to work with in the stretch,” said Conrad. “He wasn’t as sharp in his last start. That might be due to racing him back-to back within five days in April. I let him take it easy after his start in the Indiana Sires Stakes.”

Big Boy Josh returned $15.20, $6.40, and $4.60 for the victory. The son of Prince Pine is five for 17 in 2006. With the $11,000 winner’s share of the purse, he bumps his lifetime earnings to over $324,000. The Indiana-sired gelding is owned by Charles E. Conrad of Corydon, Ind.