by Paul Ramlow, USTA Internet News Manager

Columbus, OH — Two-time defending Dan Patch Award Pacing Horse of the Year Mister Big made his season’s debut on Friday morning (April 17) with a 1:55.3 qualifying victory at Hoosier Park.

With Brad Hanners in the bike for trainer Virgil Morgan, Jr., the 6-year-old Grinfromeartoear-World’s Sweetheart stallion led every step of the mile through fractions of :28.3, :58.2 and 1:28.3 before pacing a final quarter in :27 to reach the finish line in 1:55.3.

Mister Big enters the 2009 campaign with career earnings of $3,225,121, ranking him fifth all-time among the sport’s leading moneywinning pacers. He is owned by Joseph Muscara.