Anderson, IN — Two opening-round $68,500 Indiana Sires Stakes divisions for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings were featured on the evening’s 14-race card at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Thursday (July 13).

Stat That and driver LeWayne Miller used a strong stretch rally to pull a 24-1 upset in the opening division, avoiding an early speed duel and getting up in the final strides to break his maiden in 1:51.4.

Unhurried from the gate, Stat That got away sixth while Evileye Fleegle and Daryl Bontrager set opening early fractions of :27.2 and :55.2. James Yoder had Where’s Drogon out and firing just past the half and he led the field through the three-quarters in 1:23.4. Trace Tetrick had the heavily favored Noblesville on the attack from first-over, but the biggest threat was still behind him.

Using a :26.4 closing kick, Miller guided Stat That through traffic to win by nearly three lengths. JD’s King James and Jordan Ross saved ground and got up for second while Evileye Fleegle held on for third.

Stat That and LeWayne Miller pulled a 24-1 upset in the first ISS division.

Trained by Susan Miller for owner-breeder Derek Lehman, Stat That recorded his first lifetime win from just his second lifetime start. The son of Check Six—Rockin Songbird has now earned $36,750, and he paid $51.80 to win.

In the second division, M-M’s Bud and driver Jay Cross went gate-to-wire to pull a 9-1 upset. Leaving from post two, Cross sent M-M’s Bud away from the gate, and he dictated fractions of :28, :57.2 and 1:25.3 before ever being contested. Trace Tetrick had favorite Play Action Pass on the attack from first-over with Tellmeitmatters and John DeLong in tow.

As the field turned for home, Cross asked M-M’s Bud for more, and he responded with a :26.2 closing kick to fend off all challengers. Play Action Pass was forced to settle for second while Chocluck Chip and James Yoder rallied well late for third.

M-M’s Bud and Jay Cross went gate to wire to capture the second stakes split at 9-1. Dean Gillette Photography.

Trained and owned by Alvin Miller, the gelded son of Tellitlikeitis—Climate Hanover recorded his third win from five lifetime starts and paid $20.20 to win. The 1:52 clocking was a new lifetime best mark for M-M’s Bud who was bred by Mervin J. Miller.

Live racing will return to Harrah’s Hoosier Park on Friday (July 14) with a single Indiana Sires Stakes event for 3-year-old pacing fillies on the evening’s 14-race card. For more information on the live racing and entertainment schedule, visit www.harrahshoosierpark.com.