by Tammy Knox and Tom Reading, Hoosier Park Publicity Department

Anderson, IN — JL Flying Arrows, guided by Neil Coleman, fired down the stretch to win an elimination heat of the Indiana Sires Stakes for older trotting stallions on Friday, June 20, at Hoosier Park. The win was the third for JL Flying Arrows this season and 16th in his life.

Linscott Photography

JL Flying Arrows was a 1:55.2 winner on Friday for Neil Coleman.

JL Flying Arrows shot out of the gate to take the early lead over the field of nine. Rounding the turn to the quarter-mile mark in :28.1, JL Flying Arrows controlled the top position with Midnightsuperstar, managed by Don Irvine, Jr., trailing. Blowlowsanta, with Elliott Deaton in the sulky, was close behind in third.

Closing in on the halfway mark in a time of :58, Blowlowsanta took the lead from JL Flying Arrows and held a comfortable two length advantage. Racing by the three-quarter mark in 1:28.1, Blowlowsanta held on to the lead over the favorite JL Flying Arrows.

In the stretch, JL Flying Arrows closed in on Blowlowsanta. He regained the lead at the 16th pole to win in a time of 1:55.2 by 3-1/2 lengths. Blowlowsanta and Midnightsuperstar finished second and third, respectively.

“It’s the best he’s (JL Flying Arrows) been so far,” Coleman said. “I never had to use the whip today. He was very good.”

Owned by Ed Hauck, Jr. and trained by Brian Hauck, JL Flying Arrows has earned over $68,000 in his lifetime. The son of Ripken’s Victory returned $4.60, $2.80, and $2.20 for his effort.

The Indiana Sires Stakes for older trotting stallions and geldings will conclude on Saturday, June 28, with the winner receiving half of the $100,000 purse. The race will be part of Hoosier Cup Night, where purses will exceed $1 million. The top five finishers from the two elimination heats for the older trotting horses will now advance into the final.

Donerail Joe and trainer-driver Trent Stohler earned the victory in the second elimination of the series to also head into the final during Hoosier Cup Night.

Go On BB advances in Sires Stakes

Go On BB and driver Ricky Macomber, Jr. advanced without any problems in the second of two eliminations for the upcoming $100,000 Indiana Sires Stakes Final for pacing mares. The duo completed their task in a time of 1:51.2 during the special matinee racing card.

Linscott Photography

Go On BB hit the finish line in 1:51.2 in her Indiana Sires Stakes elimination.

Starting from the extreme outside post nine in the 10-horse field, Go On BB wasted little time getting involved in the action. JD’s Lady Lynn and John Taylor, who recently won his first career race as a driver, led the way to the opening quarter in :25.3.

After moving into mid-pack, Macomber had Go On BB geared up for a sprint to the lead just before the halfway mark in a time of :54.3. The talented mare continued her journey in dominant form to the stretch, passing the three-quarter marker in 1:24.1.

In the stretch, JD’s Lady Lynn continued to follow along and made one last attempt to snatch the victory away from Go On BB. However, in the end, Go On BB would not be denied the title, winning in a time of 1:51.2, her fastest mile in 2008. JD’s Lady Lynn was solid for second while Roknrol Bluegrass and Brad Hanners used a second half move to finish third.

“She (Go On BB) felt real strong throughout the entire mile,” said Macomber. “I had a pretty good hold of her the whole time. She can fight off anyone that gets close. She’s a real competitor.”

Now 30 for 38 in her career, Go On BB heads into the Indiana Sires Stakes Final with four wins in six starts for 2008. The 4-year-old daughter of Dontgetinmyway is nearing $500,000 in career earnings for owner Frank Baldachino. Mickey Burke trains Go On BB.

The top five finishers from each elimination heat will advance to the final. The $100,000 final for older pacing mares will be one of six Indiana Sires Stakes finals during Hoosier Cup Night on Saturday, June 28. The evening will offer purses in excess of $1 million, featuring the $500,000 (est.) Hoosier Cup for 3-year-old pacers.

Other activities will take place during the evening, including a hat giveaway to the first 2,000 racing fans courtesy of the Indiana Standardbred Breed Development. Also, live entertainment will be provided by The Flying Toasters beginning at 7:00 p.m.