by Emily Gaskin, for Hoosier Park

Anderson, IN — After finishing second in his elimination last week, It’s A Herbie rebounded gamely to find the winner’s circle in the featured event of the evening, the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes final for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings, at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Saturday (Sept.15). Driven, trained, and owned by Verlin Yoder, It’s A Herbie went gate to wire to deliver as the heavy favorite and establish a new lifetime best of 1:54.2.

Linscott Photography

It’sA Herbie captures the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes Final for two-year-oldtrotting colts at Hoosier Park.

Leaving from post six in the competitive field of ten, Yoder sent It’s A Herbie straight to the front to reach the first quarter in :28. Trump This and Sam Widger grabbed a pocket seat while Mocedes Boy and LeWayne Miller were next in line third. It’s A Herbie went uncontested through splits of :57.2 and 1:26 as the field remained in single file order down the backside.

As the field rounded the final turn, Yoder asked his mount for more and he trotted evenly on to the wire to finish two lengths in front of Trump This. Mocedes Boy used a ground saving trip to finish third. As the 3-5 favorite, It’s A Herbie returned $3.20 at the betting windows.

“He’s a big clumsy colt that’s just starting to come into himself,” Yoder said. “I knew he needed time and it wouldn’t be till later in the season that he would come around. He’s a smart horse and has done everything right—just needed time.”

With the win, It’s A Herbie improved his lifetime record to 9-2-6-1. The son of Here Comes Herbie-Psychic Image also pushed his lifetime earnings over the $100,000 mark with the victory. It’s been a great week for the Yoder Stable as they also scored a victory in the New York Sires Stakes earlier in the week with Woodside Charm who shattered the North American record for 2-year-old trotting fillies at Saratoga Casino Hotel with a 1:53.4 mile.

Live racing will continue at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Tuesday (Sept. 18) with an 11-race card. With a daily post time of 6:30 p.m., live racing will follow a Tuesday through Saturday schedule and be conducted through Nov. 10. For more information on the upcoming entertainment and live racing schedule, please visit www.hoosierpark.com.