by Tammy Knox, publicity director, Hoosier Park

Anderson, IN — Ten horses will vie for the 2008 title in the 15th edition of the $200,000 Dan Patch Invitational Pace on Saturday, May 24, at Hoosier Park. The race, slated as the 11th on the 13-race card, will have an estimated post time of 10:30 p.m. (EDT).

Headlining the list of favorites for this year’s contest is Artistic Fella, winner of the 2007 edition of the race. Now 5, the son of 1998 Dan Patch winner Pacific Fella is the only millionaire in the field with earnings that topple $1.7 million. He returns to Hoosier Park off a third place finish in the $248,000 Graduate at The Meadowlands. Driver Tim Tetrick, leader in the nation last year with 1,189 wins, will accompany Artistic Fella back to Indiana. They begin from post four as the favorite at odds of 5-2.

Also grabbing some attention in the race is Bono Bests. The 5-year-old Pro Bono Best gelding has eight wins in 13 starts this year, including a win in the $100,000 Battle of Lake Erie at Northfield Park earlier this spring. Bono Bests is also a half-brother to Hop Sing, winner of the 2006 Dan Patch Invitational. He will be controlled from post six at odds of 3-1 as the second choice on the morning line.

The field, in post position order with drivers and odds, includes: Ataboyart (Jay Cross) 12-1, Radar Installed N (Brad Hanners) 10-1, Western Shore (Jody Jamieson) 5-1, Artistic Fella (Tim Tetrick) 5-2, Booze Cruzin (Sam Widger) 15-1, Bono Bests (Jim Morrill, Jr.) 3-1, Artist’s View (Dave Palone) 7-2, Benns Superman (Dan Shetler, Jr.) 5-1, Psilvuheartbreaker (Jim Meittinis) 12-1, and Won The West (Greg Grismore) 6-1.

In addition to the race, the new book Crazy Good: The True Story of Dan Patch, the Most Famous Horse in America will be featured. Ten books signed by author Charles Leerhsen will be given away through drawings between races. Books will also be available for purchase in Hoosier Park’s gift shop, Shelby’s Gifts, for $20.

Other activities include a live performance by the band Zanna-Doo! and a donkey exhibition race following the second harness race on the program.