Oak Grove, KY – Iam The Captain A was given a picture-perfect drive by Adarryl Gates Jr. to take top honors in the United States Harness Driving Club (USHDC) $11,000 feature at Oak Grove Racing & Gaming on Monday (May 18).
The 8-year-old gelded son of Captaintreacherous squeaked by a stubborn Swing Dancing, driven by Dein Spriggs, in the final stages of the mile to score by a length in 1:53.4.
Marlboro Seelster, with Matthew Wilson in the sulky, was third, 9-1/4 lengths away, a neck better than Crius N Rock, piloted by Jalen Gray.
Rainbow Design, who set the blazing early pace while beginning from the outside 9 post, managed to grab the nickel for Peter Kleinhans.
As the wings folded, Dynamic Desire (post 2), handled by OD Johnson, left with fire in his nostrils along with Kleinhans sending Rainbow Design forward, as well, with that taking charge at the hot opener of :26.
But the war was far from over as Dynamic Desire fought on, holding Rainbow Design out to dry as Swing Dancing saved ground in what turned out to be the garden spot halfway through the mile in :54.4.
Approaching the third station, Spriggs left his cozy pocket after finding room to roam three-eighths from the wire and took charge, opening up almost 2 lengths once they turned for home with Iam The Captain A, after inheriting the coveted garden, getting ready to pop the pocket past the third station in 1:24.
Once they straightened away in the lane, it was down to Swing Dancing and I Am The Captain A, with the latter using his :29.2 finale to seal the issue.
Owned by Garcia Power Inc. along with James Suba, Iam The Captain A earned his second win of the season in 11 starts, sending his 2026 earnings to $18,369.
In a post-race interview, trainer Matt Rodriguez lauded the performance of his new arrival in the stable — and driver Gates — relaying, “He had been racing at Hoosier and getting some checks but we got him just a few days ago and he’s already proven to be a very nice horse.
“Adarryl drove him perfectly.
“He’s a young man that works very hard and he’s got the talent to succeed and I am thrilled with the patience that he showed driving him. He’s very sharp.”
Gates, on the other hand, gave the credit to trainer Rodriguez: “Mr. Rodriguez had this horse ready, and I gave him the best steer that I could … and it worked out!”
Off as the 8-5 favorite, Iam The Captain A paid $5.32 to his multitude of faithful.
The USHDC is in its 30th season creating goodwill for harness racing with charitable donations benefitting local, regional and national organizations as its members donate 100% of driving earnings in their events to these causes.
Upcoming future contributions are planned for Redemption Ranch, Safe Harbor Sanctuary, Christian County 4-H Club and Christian County Cattlemen’s Association.