Anderson, IN — After his track record-equaling 1:48.2 mile last week, Buzzsaw Russ continued his winning ways in Friday’s (July 28) $96,000 Indiana Sires Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Leaving from the coveted rail position in line to John DeLong, Buzzsaw Russ left just enough to protect the pocket behind co-favorite Coach Stefanos (Trace Tetrick), who reached the opening quarter in :28 and went uncontested through the half in :55.3. As the field approached the final turn, LeWayne Miller had Why Not Now out and applying pressure from first-over with JK Black Gold (Kyle Wilfong) in tow.

As the field turned for home, Coach Stefanos looked strong on the front, but Buzzsaw Russ was looming large in the pocket. DeLong tipped his mount from the pocket and he used a snappy :25.4 closing kick to win by nearly two lengths over Coach Stefanos in 1:49.1. Why Not Now closed hard for third.

Buzzsaw Russ turned in another dominant effort to capture Friday’s $96,000 Indiana Sires Stakes at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Dean Gillette Photography.

It was the seventh win in 16 lifetime starts — and his third win from seven starts this season — for the Missy Essig-trained gelded son of Rockin Image-Up Front Cruiser. Bred by Devon Beechy and Devon Knepp, Buzzsaw Russ has now banked $372,775 for owners Russell Beeman and Charles Weaver. He returned $4.20 to win.

The racing week at Harrah’s Hoosier Park concludes on Saturday (July 29) with two $67,000 divisions of Indiana Sires Stakes for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings highlighting the 12-race card which gets underway at 7 p.m. Also on Saturday, Harrah’s Hoosier Park will host its fourth annual Empire of Hope day, dedicated to raising funds for aftercare of retired racehorses, with all proceeds directly benefitting the Standardbred Transition Alliance to assist efforts to relocate, rehabilitate and repurpose retired standardbred racehorses. For more information on the upcoming live racing schedule or live entertainment at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, visit www.harrahshoosierpark.com.