Anderson, IN — Sure Did and Eugene The Genius made the most of a sloppy track to win their respective Indiana Sires Stakes events for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings on Thursday (Aug. 15) at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.
Sure Did was sent off as the 3-5 favorite from post three in the $67,000 first division. Driver Marvin Luna settled Sure Did in fourth early while Siesta Sandman (driven by Peter Wrenn) crossed over from post nine to reach the quarter first in :27.3. Unable to find a spot on the pylons on the first turn, Tarzan (Mike Oosting) forged to the front on the backstretch, leading the field to the halfway point in :57.3. Luna tipped Sure Did from fourth to begin his first-over grind, moving into third on the final turn but spotting Tarzan three lengths at three-quarters in 1:27.4.
At the top of the stretch, Sure Did continued to advance, matching strides with Tarzan as the two battled noses apart with an eighth of a mile to go. After battling Tarzan the length of the stretch, Sure Did edged clear in the final strides to snag the victory a half length in front in a career best 1:56.2. Ponda Rocky (Trace Tetrick) lunged late to nose out his Erv Miller stablemate Tarzan for the place spot.
Walter Haynes Jr. trains Sure Did, who has now won three of eight startes in his rookie campaign and earned $61,518 for owners Matthew Miller and John McGill. John Bontrager Jr. bred the gelded son of You Know You Do-Chillax Hanover, who was a $19,000 yearling purchase at last fall’s Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale.
Eugene The Genius rebounded from the first defeat of his career in leg two with a victory in the $66,500 second division. Sent off at 5-2 from post two with regular pilot Mike Oosting in the bike, Eugene The Genius got away in the pocket position as 1-5 favorite Starlitfrankenstein (Trace Tetrick) took command to the quarter in :28.4. The field showed their respect to the two favorites on top, remaining in straight alignment with Starlitfrankenstein reaching the half unchallenged in :58.2. Starlitfrankenstein put two lengths of separation between himself and Eugene The Genius, who pursued from second at three-quarters in 1:27.2.
Eugene The Genius popped the pocket at the top of the lane, however he appeared to be rebuffed by Starlitfrankenstein, who trotted away by 4-1/2 lengths midway through the lane. Despite Tetrick’s best efforts to gather the youngster, Starlitfrankenstein threw in a few steps late in the lane before breaking stride, leaving Eugene The Genius to inherit the lead at the edge of the tote board with High Speed Swan (John DeLong) posing a threat to his inside. Eugene The Genius was able to hold the challenger at bay and cross the wire a length clear in 1:55.4 over High Speed Swan. Volo Cancellato (Jordan Ross) rallied for the show spot.
The 1:55.4 clocking was a lifetime best for the Missy Essig trainee, who is now a winner in four of five outings and $89,125 for owners Russ Beeman and Charles Weaver. The gelded son of Helpisontheway-Muscle Baby Doll was bred by Black Creek Farm and Hickory Hollow Stable and was a $75,000 yearling purchase at the 2023 Hoosier Classic.
Marvin Luna drove four winners and Mike Oosting three on the 13-race card.
Racing at Harrah’s Hoosier Park continues on Friday (Aug. 16) with a 13-race card slated to get underway at 6:15 p.m. Two divisions of Indiana Sires Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings will serve as the 11th and 12th races of the evening, with the 13th and final race featuring a $10,000 guaranteed Hoosier High Five. Free online programs are available on the Harrah’s Hoosier Park website.