Anderson, IN — Sophomore trotting colts and geldings were the featured attraction at Harrah’s Hoosier Park on Thursday (Sept. 2) as they squared off in round six of Indiana Sires Stakes action. Two $48,000 divisions were sent postward on the evening’s 14-race card.

Brookview Bolt and Sam Widger delivered as the heavy favorite in the opening division of ISS action. Dean Gillette Photography.

Brookview Bolt and driver Sam Widger returned to their winning ways in the opening division to score in 1:54.

Brookview Bolt was unhurried from the gate while Swingforthefences and Peter Wrenn were on a mission to the front. Widger gave Brookview Bolt the green light down the backside and he ranged up to take command just before the half and he continued to call the shots turning for home and appeared to be up to the task.

Swingforthefences made a strong rally from the pocket but was forced to settle for second after Brookview Bolt dug in gamely late in the lane. Breckenridge and Dan Shetler rounded out the trifecta.

Sent off as the heavy betting favorite, Brookview Bolt returned $3.40 at the betting windows.

Trained by Ron Burke, the 3-year-old gelded son of Swan For All-Witty’s Winner recorded his sixth win from 10 seasonal starts. Brookview Bolt is owned in partnership by Burke Racing Stable, Knox Services Inc., J&T Silva-Purnel & Libby, and Weaver Bruscemi and with the victory, sent his lifetime earnings over the $300,000 mark.

In the second division, Illini Earl turned in a gritty performance to go gate-to-wire and score in 1:55.3.

With Brandon Bates in the bike for trainer Walter Haynes Jr., Illini Earl left alertly from post six to grab the early lead and never looked back. Monarch and James Yoder staged a big rally late in the lane but were unable to reach the leader. Bluebird Yoshi and Peter Wrenn trotted evenly to finish third.

Sent off as the betting public’s second choice, Illini Earl paid $6.60 to win.

Owned in partnership by Jeff Fought Racing, Brian Carsey, and John McGill, the gelded son of Jailhouse Jesse-Maevey Gravy recorded his fifth win of the season from 18 starts. Illini Earl now sports a lifetime record of 25-7-4-4 and $134,710 in lifetime purse earnings.

Indiana Sires Stakes action will continue at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Friday (Sept. 3) with two divisions for 3-year-old pacing fillies.

With a daily post time of 6:30 p.m., live racing at Harrah’s Hoosier Park will be conducted through Dec. 4. For more information on the upcoming live racing schedule, please visit www.harrahshoosierpark.com.