by Valerie Ray, Hoosier Park Publicity Department

Anderson, IN — Shezahotmark and Joe Essig, Jr. sizzled among a field of nine after capturing the Mini Series Final on Thursday (June 3) at Hoosier Park.

It was the second consecutive win for the duo, who took first last week in the second leg of the Mini Series.

Shezahotmark went a record mile of 1:56³ this time around to collect the winner’s share of the $11,600 purse set for the event.

“The race went pretty much as I expected. She has raced on the front the last two weeks because I thought she was good,” Essig said. “She can really race just about any way.”

Naughty’s Queen and Charlie Conrad left the gate first. Shezahotmark was right on her (Naughty’s Queen) heels, pacing in second. At the half, Naughty’s Queen reluctantly surrendered her lead after Shezahotmark doubled up on the outside. In the stretch, longshot A Personal Pat and Joshua Sutton came up from third and challenged for the lead, but Shezahotmark came out on top. A Personal Pat and Sutton nabbed the second place finish. Naughty’s Queen and Conrad paced home in third.

“I was worried towards the end, but she held on well,” said Essig.

Shezahotmark paid $4.20, $2.60, and $2.80 across the board. The win marked the second victory of the season for the filly. The daughter of Mark Johnathan is trained by Dave White. Larry J. Smith of Berne, Indiana is the proud owner.