Anderson, IN — A talented group of 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings were in the spotlight at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in the opening round of Indiana Sires Stakes action on Thursday (July 3). Two $31,500 divisions were featured on the evening’s 14-race card, and the heavy favorites delivered to win their respective divisions.

Emma Town Bud is now three-for-three in his sophomore season at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. Dean Gillette Photography.

Emma Town Bud and Michael Oosting turned in an impressive effort to capture the opening division in 1:53.2 for trainer Byron Hooley. Employing an eye-popping :25.3 final quarter, Emma Town Bud powered home to win by a length over the pacesetting Swan In Motion and Ricky Macomber Jr.

Leaving from post five, Emma Town Bud left just enough to grab a pocket seat behind Swan In Motion, who left alertly for early position. Swan In Motion led the field through fractions of :27.2, :58.1, and 1:27.2 before ever feeling a threat from the rest of the field. As the field turned for home, Oosting timed his attack and when Emma Town Bud tipped from the pocket, he sprinted for home. Swan In Motion trotted strongly to the finish for second, while Dude Included and John DeLong were third. Emma Town Bud returned $4.00 to win.

With the win, Emma Town Bud is now undefeated in three starts this season. The 1:53.2 final clocking equaled his established lifetime best. The son of Big Stick Lindy and Centerfold Lady is owned by Summit Pacing Acres and has now amassed $152,081 in lifetime purse earnings.

After an uncharacteristic break in his first start of the season, TJ’s Top Pick rebounded gamely to take the second stakes division with Trace Tetrick in the bike. Scoring in 1:53.2, TJ’s Top Pick made good on his 1-9 favoritism and established a new lifetime best in the process.

Leaving from post three in the abbreviated field of six, Tetrick wasted no time and sent his mount to the front. TJ’s Top Pick strolled through fractions of :28.1, :57.3 and 1:26 before he began to distance himself from the rest of the field. Turning from home with a three-length advantage, TJ’s Top Pick cruised home in :27.2 under a hand drive from Tetrick. Flagman and Rick Plano benefitted from a pocket trip and trotted evenly to finish second, while Speed Ball Swagger and LeWayne Miller rounded out the trifecta. TJ’s Top Pick returned $2.20.

Jeff Cullipher trainee TJ’s Top Pick scored the first win of his 3-year-old campaign from two starts. The son of Swan For All-A J’s Ayd improved his lifetime bankroll to $319,291 for owners Pollack Racing LLC, Jeff Cullipher and Trace Tetrick.

Indiana Sires Stakes action will continue at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Friday (July 3) with three $23,500 divisions for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings on the evening’s 14-race card.