by Ryan Hubbard, publicity department, Hoosier Park

Anderson, IN — Pathway’s Strength and driver-trainer Richard Schrock chose the right path to victory in the $6,000 second leg of the Ralph and Dorothy Rose Series on Sunday, April 10 at Hoosier Park. The win gave the three-year-old trotter his second win in four starts this season.

“He (Pathway’s Strength) received a good trip tonight,” said Schrock. “He is really improving with every start he makes. I am glad to see us win a leg of this series.”

Richard Schrock drove Pathway’s Strength to a win on Sunday at Hoosier Park.

Like’s Victory, with driver-trainer Greg Hostetler, looked like he was trotting his way to victory after leading the field to the first quarter in :29.2. That lead continued down the backstretch to the half, which went in 1:00.2. The comfortable trot by Like’s Victory let her stay intact to the three-quarter pole.

After a third panel in 1:29.2, it was anyone’s race. Like’s Victory slowed down in the stretch, which allowed last week’s first leg winner Riverbend Cindy and driver Neil Coleman to take the lead. Pathway’s Strength overcame a one and one-half length deficit in the stretch to pick up the pieces and roll out to a five and one-quarter length victory over Riverbend Cindy in 1:59. The time was a lifetime best, beating the old one by three ticks of a second. Secret Breeze and driver Walter Haynes, Jr. came roaring back in the stretch to finish third.

Pathway’s Strength paid $7.80, $3.20, and $3.00 for the win. The son of Pathway To Victory is owned by David Zehr and Schrock.

Mayfair Winston two for two in Rose Series

Every time Bobby Hunter, Sr. sits in a race bike, he ends up in the winner’s circle. Hunter is three-for-three during the early going of the 2005 Standardbred meet at Hoosier Park.

In his latest victory, the trainer-driver drove Mayfair Winston in a one mile trot to claim his second leg split of the Ralph and Dorothy Rose Series on Sunday.

Hoosier Park/Jim Linscott Photos

Mayfair Winston scored again on Sunday at Hoosier Park.

Pleasant View Rocky and driver Greg Kain trotted out to an early lead, setting a lively first fraction of :27.3. That would be the only time Hunter and Mayfair Winston would see a horse in front of them. The duo made a strong move on the outside to claim the lead down the backstretch, setting the half-mile fraction at :57.1. Mayfair Winston trotted to a three length lead at the three-quarter mark in 1:28 flat. Awesome Doc and Brian Barnes gave a good effort along with Double A Victory and Larry Rheinheimer to overtake Mayfair Winston, but the four-year-old gelded son of Work Force would not be denied. He crossed the line in 1:57.1. The finishing time surpassed Mayfair Winston’s previous best by one tick.

Hunter wasn’t concerned that he may have made his move for the lead too early in the race.

“Honestly, I made that move on the back because I didn’t want to get trapped. I knew he would have enough coming home. When you have the best horse in a race, you’ve got to drive him (Mayfair Winston) like that. I knew he’d have enough in the stretch.”

A $6,000 purse was awarded for the second leg of the series. The victory puts Mayfair Winston over the $16,000 mark for his short career. The horse now has five wins in 14 career starts and is two for four in 2005.

Mayfair Winston is owned by Hunter. The owner feels confident in his chances to win the final of the series.

“He will be the favorite to win the series final.”

The $16,000 final of the Ralph and Dorothy Rose will be held Sunday, April 24 at Hoosier Park. The top ten money earners from the preliminary rounds will advance to the final.