by Tammy Knox, director of race marketing affairs, Hoosier Park

Anderson, IN — Flight Elal proved that he was ready to fire on all cylinders Friday, May 6, making his 2011 debut an impressive victory in the first round of the $40,000 Indiana Sires Stakes. Last year’s 2-year-old colt of the year showed grit, winning in a time of 1:53.1 as the heavy favorite in the second of three divisions for sophomore pacing colts. A total of $504,000 was offered on the 13-race card that featured 12 divisions of Indiana Sires Stakes action.

Hoosier Park photo

Flight Elight was an impressive winner in the first round of Indiana Sire Stakes Friday night at Hoosier Park.

Starting from post three in the 10-horse lineup, Flight Elal got away in mid-pack for leading driver Peter Wrenn, but didn’t take a seat for long. Following the quarter mile time of :27.2 clipped off by Third Street Pete and Sam Widger, Flight Elal was out and ready to roll to the front. However, several horses were already out in front of him, forcing him three-wide at the halfway point in a time of :56.1. Heading into the turn, Flight Elal was even with Third Street Pete, but had to ride alongside the top spot contender through the turn.

“I wanted to get to the lead before we got into the turn,” said Wrenn. “Having to go three-wide at the half was expected. But, it was unexpected when I couldn’t clear to the front. Once we turned for home, he (Flight Elal) took off again.”

Flight Elal dug in gamely in a stride for stride battle with Third Street Pete. In the final steps, Flight Elal got the advantage and surged ahead, also fighting off a late attempt by Pipecreek Yankee, who finished 1-1/4 lengths back in second. Third Street Pete held on for third.

“This colt (Flight Elal) went a great mile in his first start back,” said Wrenn. “I didn’t drive him at all last year, but he has the potential to be a top one again this year. He’s easy to get along with.”

Trained by Bill Dailey, Flight Elal has not finished worse than third in 11 career starts. The son of Panspacificflight is owned and bred by Pacey Mindlin and Kenneth Cohen of Ohio. Earnings are now in excess of $250,000 for Flight Elal, who used three qualifiers to prepare for his 2011 debut.

In other 3-year-old pacing action, Straight Dancer and Sam Widger rolled to a win in the first division of the Indiana Sires Stakes. The Third Straight gelding used the stretch to earn his second win of the year in a time of 1:54.2 over Watts-Up-Bow and Wrenn. Yankees In Six and Josh Sutton rallied home third.

Trained by Steve Carter, Straight Dancer was also successful on the 2-year-old circuit last season, earning 13 wins in 22 starts for a bankroll of more than $118,000. Straight Dancer is owned by Carter and his wife, Tammy.

The final division of 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings was awarded to Starven Darven and Wrenn. The duo moved in for the 1:53.4 win late in the mile over Lost Jewels and Ricky Macomber. Casino Captor and Widger rounded out the top three.

Starven Darven is owned by Fred Quillin and Dan Perdue. The His Mattjesty colt earned a new career best time with his first win of 2011. He is trained by Perdue.