Anderson, IN — After opening their stakes season in impressive fashion last week, the Hoosier State’s top 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings were back in action at Harrah’s Hoosier Park on Friday (June 10) as two $50,000 divisions of Indiana Sires Stakes were featured on the evening’s 13-race card.

In the opening division, Soaring Now closed powerfully to track down his rivals late in the lane to score by a length in a lifetime best 1:50.1. With Andy Shetler in the bike, Soaring Now notched the first win of his 3-year-old campaign.

Leaving from the pole, Soaring Now protected his position to get the first call through the opening quarter in :26.1. Oneshotatthetitle and LeWayne Miller, unable to find a spot along the rail, ranged up to take command and lead through middle fractions of :54.1 and 1:23.

As the field reached the three-quarters, the heavily favored Fulfullnmydestiny and James Yoder were on the front. Soaring Now had to navigate through some traffic, but powered home once he found late racing room to win by a length over Big Law and Sam Widger. Lucks On Time and Brandon Bates rallied well late for third. Sent off as the public’s second choice, Soaring Now returned $5.20.

Soaring Now established a new lifetime best after a 1:50.1 in his Indiana Sires Stakes division.

The son of JK Endofanera-Sunflower recorded his fourth lifetime victory and first win of this 3-year-old campaign for trainer Aaron Stutzman and owner James Miller. Soaring Now, who now sports a lifetime bankroll of $74,500, was bred by Luckiana Farms of Indiana.

In the second division, JK Victory backed up his win last week with another front-stepping victory. With Trace Tetrick in the bike, JK Victory fended off all challengers to win by a half length in 1:49.3.

Tetrick wasted no time and fired JK Victory away from the gate. The heavily favored Ponda Warrior and Jimmy Whittemore were content to sit in the pocket while JK Victory rattled off fractions of :26.3, :54.3 and 1:22.4. As the field turned for home, Ponda Warrior tipped from the pocket, but JK Victory wasn’t finished. Using a :26.4 final panel, JK Victory kept all challengers at bay to win. Ponda Warrior was forced to settle for second place while Rip Wheeler charged home for third. JK Victory paid $7.40.

JK Victory is now two-for-two in Indiana Sires Stakes this season. Dean Gillette Photography.

The Ron Burke-trained JK Endofanera-GT Miss Royal gelding recorded his second win of the season and third lifetime victory, pushing his lifetime bankroll over the $100,000 mark for owners 3 Brothers Stable and Caviart Farms. JK Victory was bred by Victory Hill Farm and is a half brother to Indiana’s standout pacer Little Rocket Man.

Live harness racing will continue at Harrah’s Hoosier Park on Saturday (June 11) at an adjusted post time of 7:20 p.m. due to the Belmont Stakes. For more information on live racing at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, visit www.harrahshoosierpark.com.