by Brad Meadows and Ryan Hubbard, Hoosier Park publicity department

Anderson, IN — Kentucky Kindness, with Josh Sutton in the bike, made a sweeping move on the outside to capture a $5,000 first leg division of the Jerry Landess Series for 3- and 4-year-old Indiana-bred colt and gelding pacers. The pair rallied deep in the stretch to earn a victory in the first of four heats slated for Wednesday, April 11, at Hoosier Park. They finished the mile in 1:58, 2-1/2 lengths ahead of Harvey Six and Jeff Nisonger, who finished second. Finishing the race in third place were Skyway Classic and Don Eash.

Terri Kelley photo

Kentucky Kindness scored in 1:58 for Josh Sutton.

Copperstone Cam and Andy Shetler took the lead entering the first turn. Kentucky Kindness and Sutton opted to stay away from the early speed, finding the seventh position midway through the opening turn. The first quarter was reached in :28.1.

As the field approached the half-mile marker, Copperstone Cam continued to lead the way by a small margin. Kentucky Kindness and Sutton were caught in traffic and relegated to the back of the field.

Kentucky Kindness began making his move towards the leader, reaching the third position at the top of the stretch. Copperstone Cam and Shetler continued to set the pace, with Skyway Classic and Don Eash showing life just behind. The field appeared unaffected by strong wind gusts and thunderstorms that delayed the post time.

Kentucky Kindness stretched to the outside and had plenty left to register his first career victory in his first start of 2007. The 4-year-old horse is owned and trained by Thomas Cave.

Kentucky Kindness returned $3.20, $3.40, and $3.00.

The victory is the first of the season for 2006 Hoosier Park leading driver Josh Sutton. The southpaw returns to Hoosier Park after spending the winter in Chicago.

Rocket Fuel blasted off in the stretch drive to win another $5,000 first leg division of the Jerry Landess Series. The winning start was the 3-year-old’s pari-mutuel debut with help from driver Jay Cross. Rocket Fuel was sent flying down the lane from the extreme outside, dashing to the wire in a time of 1:57.3 over a sloppy track.

From the inside post, Rocket Fuel jumped out to the third position as the field opened up at the first quarter in :29.3. Using a patient drive, Cross made his move after the three-quarter pole, which went in 1:28.4.

Rocket Fuel trailed the leader, Hotdonho Bluegrass and driver Ricky Macomber, Jr., by 1-1/2 lengths as they were on their way home. Having the outside all to himself, Rocket Fuel turned on the burners, showing his closing ability. He pulled away for the victory, winning by a total of five lengths. Monroe’sflying Jet and driver Mike Peterson fought back to grab second. Hotdonho Bluegrass held on for third.

Rocket Fuel returned $10.40, $5.20, and $4.40 for the victory at odds of 4-1. The gray gelding is owned by Phil Harts of Amboy, Ind. Alvin Miller trains the son of Dontgetinmyway.

Rocket Fuel’s only other start was in a qualifier in March at Hoosier Park where he finished a close third, again with Cross in the sulky. He is now set for the second leg of the Jerry Landess Series on Wednesday, April 18.