by Tom Reading for Hoosier Park

Real Velocity and Jason Dillander charged down the stretch to earn her third consecutive win in the $23,000 Fillies and Mares Invitational Friday, May 16 at Hoosier Park. The duo won the event in a time of 1:52.4.

Hoosier Park photo

Real Velocity (9) won his third straight Invitational Friday night at Hoosier Park.

Racing out of the gate, JD’s Lady Lynn, guided by Brandon Bates, dashed to the early lead with Ready to Rumba, controlled by Brad Hanners, and Marvel Sahbra, guided by Don Irvine Jr., right behind. Reaching the quarter mile mark in 27.1, JD’s Lady Lynn still held onto the lead.

At the halfway mark in a time of 56.4, Go On BB, managed by Ricky Macomber Jr., raced to take control of the lead with JD’s Lady Lynn and Ready to Rumba pursuing. Reaching the three-quarter mile mark in 1:25.0, Go On BB controlled the top spot with JD’s Lady Lynn on the inside and Real Velocity placed on the outside.

A fierce stretch battle began. Charging down the stretch, Real Velocity took the entire length of the straightaway to get past Go On BB to take the lead and earn the victory by a neck. Ready To Rumba and Brad Hanners split horses late for second. Go On BB held strong for third in a four-horse photo that left fast-closing Me and My Baby and Joe Essig Jr. fourth by only a half-length behind the winner.

With the win, Real Velocity has won six out of nine races this year. The 4-year-old mare has never finished below second place. Owned by TKO Racing Stable and trained by Trent Stohler, Real Velocity has increased her career earnings to over $316,000.