by Tammy Knox, director of race marketing affairs, Hoosier Park

Anderson, IN — Hoosier Park Racing & Casino played host to a returning champion on Saturday, May 1. Southern Rocketop, driven by Hall of Famer Dave Magee, rallied home in his first start of the year to win the $23,000 Invitational Trot in a time of 1:55, proving he is back to tackle another year of competition.

Linscott Photography

Southern Rocketop was a winner in his 2010 debut.

Starting from post seven in the 10-horse line-up, Southern Rocketop moved away from the Todd Nixon starting gate well, securing the second spot behind early race leader Speed N The Tunnel and Sam Widger. However, their game plan wasn’t to follow along as Magee urged the 4-year-old Illinois Horse of the Year to the outside and into the lead, passing the second panel in a time of :56.2.

At that point, no one was able to unseat Southern Rocketop, who continued his hold on the field to the top of the stretch. Speed N The Tunnel popped out and moved up to challenge for a few strides, but Southern Rocketop kicked into gear and moved back out to win by 1-1/4 lengths in his 2010 racing debut. Voila American and Hoosier Park’s leading driver Peter Wrenn closed late for second over Tom’s Ok Lady and Ricky Macomber, who also closed well for third.

“He (Southern Rocketop) was very good,” said Magee, who has been the driver of the horse since last season. “The thing that helps him the most is if he will relax. I was hoping for a little easier journey, but he was good enough to overcome the setup of the race. He ran into a little headwind in the stretch and still finished well. I’m very pleased with the way he raced.”

Trained by Robert Taylor, Southern Rocketop earned his 21st win in his 32nd career start. The son of Psychic Spirit increased his career earnings to more than $640,000 for his new owner, Tor Birger Krageboen of Norway. His quickest time was recorded in 1:52.2 last year, a new track record at Balmoral Park.

“The more time Bobby (Taylor) spends with him, the better he gets,” said Magee. “He’s had another year to work with him and he keeps him quiet. He appears to be even better this year.”

Magee returned to the winner’s circle with another significant win in the 10th race of the night. Allthatgltrsisgold continues to prepare for the upcoming $500,000 Hoosier Cup, scoring an easy win against conditioned competition in a time of 1:52.3. A winner by 2-1/2 lengths, Allthatgltrsisgold was reunited with Magee, who steered him to a second place finish in the $180,000 American-National at Balmoral Park last fall.

“Dave (Magee) gets along with him really well,” said Bobby Brower, who trains the Cam’s Card Shark colt for Dr. Jeff and Dr. Maria King’s Victory Hill Farm. “He showed promise last year and if you keep him calm, he’s capable of anything. He’s getting ready for the Hoosier Cup and if everything goes well, he’ll go onto the stakes circuit and eventually to the North America Cup.”

Allthatgltrsisgold is one of 44 3-year-olds nominated to the Hoosier Cup, which is slated for Saturday, May 29. The race, which moves to a new format in 2010 with one dash for the cash, is Indiana’s richest harness race. The evening will also feature the second preliminary round of Indiana Sires Stakes for 3-year-olds on both the trot and the pace.