by Tom Reading, Hoosier Park Publicity Department

Anderson, IN — ABC Mercedes, guided by Mark O’Mara, controlled the race to win a second leg division of the Indiana Sires Stakes on Sunday, May 18, at Hoosier Park.

The son of ABC Garland earned his second win of the season in his second race, after earning seven wins in nine outings as last year’s champion Indiana freshman trotter.

Linscott Photography

ABC Mercedes was a 1:58.1 winner on Sunday for Mark O’Mara.

Out of the gate, Brandon’s Secret, managed by Don Irvine, Jr., rushed to take the early lead with ABC Mercedes and Seven Bands, commanded by Jay Cross, closing in. At the quarter-mile mark in a time of :27.3, ABC Mercedes raced into the lead.

Reaching the halfway mark in :59.2, ABC Mercedes led the way. Nearing the three-quarter mark in a time of 1:30.3, ABC Mercedes still was in possession of the lead with Brandon’s Secret and Seven Bands pursuing.

Down the stretch, ABC Mercedes still controlled the top position with Brandon’s Secret fast approaching. Reaching the finish in 1:58.1, ABC Mercedes held off a charging Brandon’s Secret to win the race.

“I felt comfortable with the lead at the mid to late stretch,” O’Mara said. “He (ABC Mercedes) makes you feel confident throughout the race.”

With the victory, ABC Mercedes won the ninth race in 11 attempts in his lifetime. Owned by Larry W. Miller and trained by Joe Putnam, the 3-year-old increased his lifetime earnings to over $131,000. He returned $2.60, $2.40, and $2.10 for his latest performance as the favorite in the race.

Hesaflashysecret, controlled by Dan Shetler, trotted to the outside down the stretch to win his second leg division of the Indiana Sires Stakes. The 3-year-old gelding finished the mile in 1:59.3, earning his third win of the season.

Racing out of the gate, Donegal Ago Go, managed by Roger Cullipher, pulled out to the early lead with Hesaflashysecret and the duo of Inflatuation and Don Irvine, Jr. right behind. Reaching the quarter-mile mark in :29.3, Donegal Ago Go increased his lead to two lengths with Hesaflashysecret and Inflatuation pursuing.

Nearing the halfway mark in a time of 1:01.3, Secret Camacho, guided by Mark O’Mara, pulled ahead of Donegal Ago Go to take the lead. Approaching the three-quarter mark in 1:31.1, Donegal Ago Go regained the lead over Secret Camacho, with Hesaflashysecret looking for an opening.

In the stretch, Hesaflashysecret quickly moved to the outside, getting a clear view of the finish line. Racing to the finish line, Hesaflashysecret got past Secret Camacho and Donegal Ago Go to win the second leg division.

“He (Hesaflashysecret) always gives you 100 percent during the race,” Shetler said. “He tries hard and does what he can do.”

With the win, Hesaflashysecret passed $45,000 in lifetime earnings. Owned by Rachel J. and Verlin D. Yoder, and trained by Verlin, Hesaflashysecret returned $7.00, $3.60, and $3.20 for his latest effort. The son of CJ’s Secret now has three wins in six starts for 2008.

The next leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes will be on Saturday, May 31. Hoosier Park will host the final leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes on Saturday, June 28, with the winner receiving half of the estimated $100,000 purse. The race will be part of the special Hoosier Cup Night in which purses will exceed $1 million.