by Tammy Knox, publicity director, Hoosier Park

Among the participants in this year’s Dan Patch Invitational is the fourth place finisher from last year, six year-old gelding, and local favorite Rebelman. Coming off a record qualifier of 1:51.4 set April 21 at Hoosier Park, Rebelman appears in great shape. With the strength of this year’s field, the son of Electric Yankee must put together a great trip in order to finish the race on top.

“You’ve got to have luck,” said owner/trainer Steven Brannan. “I would like to see him finish well, and just hope for the best. It was fun last year with Foxy Maneuver and Don Eash. I love racing against him. He’s a great competitor.”

Photo by Jim Linscott

Rebelman collected 10 victories in 16 starts, earning over $150,000 as a five-year-old.

The name of a horse can signify a variety of different things. It is can be used to show heritage, mannerisms, or just create a laugh. Each name is unique, and gives symbolic meaning to individuals who watch the majestic animals grace the track. While most names have no direct correlation to the horse, the name Rebelman clearly resists the theory.

“We wanted to call him the Intimidator,” said Brannan. “The name was already taken so we decided to call him Rebelman. The name fits his personality. He’s always been a rebel.”

The proclaimed “rebel” began his racing career as a two-year-old with reasonable success. After becoming sick, however, his rookie season was cut short. Rebelman came back as a three-year-old to win the Jerry Landess series at Hoosier Park before again being the recipient of bad luck. This time it was an injury, which again caused a setback.

Rebelman returned to the track as a four-year-old, with health issues behind him, looking to make a name for himself. After a solid campaign in his first full season on the track, Rebelman improved upon his success last season as a five-year-old. He collected 10 victories in 16 starts, earning over $150,000.

“He’s a very easy keeper,” added Brannan. “He’s a great horse no matter how you race him. He’s just good at doing his job.”

Returning to Hoosier Park this season in excellent condition, Rebelman clearly looks to build upon past success. In his only start this season, Rebelman, accompanied by driver Joe Essig Jr., distanced the field by six lengths. Due to the lack of premiere horses, Brannan opted to qualify him Saturday, April 21 instead of racing him in a lower class.

“We had to go fast to get his lungs open,” said Brannan. “I don’t like qualifying. He’s much better behind the gate racing. He’s been really strong this year.”

Drawing the dreaded second tier post position may be a blessing in disguise for Rebelman, a horse accustomed to the front. With the amount of talent in a race of this magnitude, he may benefit from staying away from the early gate speed. Although the gate is the more sought-after position, Rebelman could excel in this spot.

“I would’ve liked to have had the gate,” added Brannan. “I’m just glad to be in it. He’s probably better in the hole, but I still would rather have the gate. We’re jogging him about five miles a day and we’ll have him ready to go Saturday.”

The 14^th edition of the Dan Patch Invitational is slated for Saturday, April 28. The first 1,500 patrons 18 years of age and older will receive a souvenir key chain that commemorates last year’s Dan Patch winner Hop Sing. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Tetrick To Become Youngest Driver In Dan Patch History

Driver Trace Tetrick will become the youngest reinsman to drive in the $200,000 Dan Patch Invitational Saturday, April 28 at Hoosier Park. He has been called upon to drive Make It Brief for trainer Robin Schadt and Odds On Racing.

“It’s a really great honor to be in the Dan Patch this year,” said Tetrick. “To be in this type of field with these great horses is an honor, also. We will just have to wait and see how things work out. I haven’t taken a look at the program yet, so I don’t know what to expect.”

Tetrick knocks fellow driver Ryan Anderson out of the youngest driver category by a total of three months. Anderson, born June 21, 1980, drove Big Tom to a second place finish in the Dan Patch in 2001. Tetrick, who was born Sept. 29, 1986, will be driving in probably his biggest career race to date.

“I didn’t know that I was going to be the youngest person to drive in the Dan Patch,” said Tetrick. “Ryan (Anderson) and I are really good friends. We raced against each other in Chicago.”

Make It Brief will start from post position nine right next to 2006 Breeders’ Crown champion Shark Gesture in post eight. Make It Brief has been a top Free For All pacer this year at Balmoral Park in Chicago.

Make It Brief is two for 11 this season. Anderson drove the seven-year-old to his last victory April 14. Tetrick also piloted Make It Brief to a win against the same class earlier this year at Balmoral

“He (Make It Brief) raced really well when I drove him in Chicago,” said Tetrick. “My brother (Tim) had a lot of success when he drove for Robin (Schadt). She asked me to drive him.”

Tetrick is the youngest of three brothers in harness racing. He follows older brothers Tom (T.) and Tim into the sport. His father, Tom D., also trains and drives from their home base in Geff, Ill. Tetrick’s mother, Mary Alice, is also active in harness racing, working in the barn and also assisting as clerk for several fairs on the southern Illinois circuit.