Jim Linscott photo.

The time of 1:58.4 for the mile in the second leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes for three-year-old trotters was a new lifetime mark for Super Kay.

After sitting in fifth place for most of the mile, Putnam decided it was time for Super Kay to go for it in the stretch. Super Kay moved to the lead and was well in hand as the duo crossed under the wire. A last quarter of :28.2 helped provide her with a victory. It also started the momentum heading into the estimated $80,000 Indiana Sires Stakes final, which is set for Hoosier Cup Night Friday, May 29.

“That is her (Super Kay) forte when she closes in the stretch,” said Putnam. “She gave it a gook kick when she reached the top of the final turn.”

Leading the way in the beginning of the race was A Rosey Secret and driver Jimmy Whisman. A conservative first quarter of :28 helped A Rosey Secret continue her lead until Herecomesmygal and driver Neil Coleman gave it a shot on the front. Super Kay was in hot pursuit of the position Herecomesmygal had at the top of the stretch, going right on by to get the victory. Riverbend Cindy and driver Walter Haynes Jr. maintained ground
inside for third.

Winning from the 10th post position, Super Kay has won two straight races at Hoosier Park. Her last win came in the first leg of the Genesis Series.

“We had a bad place to start from in the race,” said Putnam. “I had to be a little careful with my ideas before making any moves. She is getting stronger each week we race.”

Super Kay returned $3.20, $3.20, and $3.00 for the win. Larry Miller of Springport, Ind. owns the daughter of Super Ben Joe. The three-year-old has career earnings over $40,000.

B L Sugar An Spice Wins In Season Debut

Last year’s two-year-old Indiana Sires Stakes winner, B L Sugar An Spice, won the second leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes at Hoosier Park Saturday, April 24. Now three-years-old, she is looking to continue the championship run in 2004 after taking off from where she left her mark in 2003.

B L Sugar An Spice is coming off a long winter layoff. The win in the $12,000 second division for fillies and mares draws her closer to the $100,000 earnings mark early in her career.

“I expected this win tonight,” said driver Dan Shetler. “This is no surprise at all. She (B L Sugar An Spice) has been training well in Lexington, Ky. at The Red Mile this winter. We didn’t want to race her early on in the first leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes.”

California Delight and driver Jay Cross contended for the early lead out of the gate. The duo led the pack into the first quarter in :28.2. B L Sugar An Spice took control down the backstretch. The field followed her to the three-quarter panel in 1:30.4 and could never get control of the race from her. B L Sugar An Spice was an easy winner by two and one-quarter lengths. California Delight held her ground inside for second. After changing positions in the field during the mile, I’m A Lola Too and driver Joe Putnam fought back to the wire and finished third.

Being successful in her first start in 2004 gives B L Sugar An Spice a nice lead into the $80,000 Indiana Sires Stakes final Saturday, May 29.

“It has remained to be seen if she can dominate like she did last year,” said Shetler. “I think she is the top trotting filly to beat in the state of Indiana.”