by Ryan Hubbard, Hoosier Park publicity department

Anderson, IN — Hoosier Cadillac was an easy winner in a $6,000 second leg division of the Ralph and Dorothy Rose Series on Sunday, April 22 at Hoosier Park. Going gate-to-wire with driver Jay Cross, the 5-year-old trotted the mile in a time of 1:58.3 in the non-betting event.

“I was pretty much just the passenger tonight,” said Cross. “We changed a couple of things before the race. We’re probably going to make a few more adjustments after this win also. He has been racing well lately.”

Pulling away to the front from post position one, Hoosier Cadillac led the compact field of six to the opening quarter in :29.1. With the wind at his back down the backstretch, he controlled the rest of the remaining fractions in :58.3 and 1:26.4.

Hoosier Cadillac had no competition in sight coming down the lane. Extending his lead to five, it was smooth sailing for him and Cross as they passed the wire. VL Fern and driver Rick Farrington finished second. HSR Lady Star and driver Mike Peterson rallied to finish third.

Hoosier Cadillac is undefeated in 2007. He also took the first leg of the Rose Series last weekend. The son of Ripken’s Victory is a cool four for six in his career, with earnings of over $13,000. Mel Gilbert owns and trains the Indiana-sired gelding.

Dr Potts ordered up a win in his $6,000 second leg split of the Ralph and Dorothy Rose Series. Piloted by driver Ricky Macomber, Jr., the Indiana-sired gelding took his fourth victory of the season. Dr Potts strolled to the winner’s circle after trotting the mile in a time of 2:00.4 in the non-betting race.

“He (Dr Potts) was ready and fit for the race tonight,” said Macomber. “Our plan was just to let him go out there and keep trotting. I think he is about 75 percent back to himself and what he is capable of doing. He will be a top trotter this year.”

Terri Kelley photo

Dr Potts was a 2:00.4 winner for Ricky Macomber, Jr.

Dr Potts went wide into the clubhouse turn at the beginning of the mile. After the first quarter opened in :30, Macomber was first-up to take the lead from Super Discipline and driver Doug Rideout.

The third quarter came and went in 1:30.1. Coasting along the pylons, Dr Potts never looked back. Building on his lead in the lane, he got to the wire to win by a total of four lengths. JW Singletree and driver Don Irvine, Jr. held on to finish second. Super Discipline rounded out the top three.

Dr Potts is four for eight this year. He did not race as a 2-year-old. The son of Royal Troubador has already won in Chicago at Balmoral Park and in Cleveland at Northfield Park with impressive victories. He has bankrolled over $12,000 this season for owner Joseph Muscara. Dr Potts is trained by Virgil Morgan, Jr.