by Ryan Hubbard, publicity department, Hoosier Park

The strong Central Indiana winds slowed things down in the fourth leg of the Indiana Sires Stakes for three-year-old colts and geldings Saturday, May 22 at Hoosier Park. The two $12,000 divisions were the last prep for next week’s est. $80,000 final during Hoosier Cup Night Saturday, May 29.

Jim Linscott photo

Canuseeme Bow and driver Don Eash won the first division of Indiana Sire Stakes for three-year-old colts and geldings.

An upset unfolded in the first division when Canuseeme Bow and driver Don Eash took the lead in deep stretch to win his second race of the season. Canuseeme Bow opened up before getting to the wire to win by three and one quarter lengths in 1:56. It took the field a final quarter of :30.3 to get home due to the winds.

“The race worked out perfectly for us,” said Eash. “I almost got trapped heading out of the final turn. I figured as soon as I got to the tote board we would pop out at the end. I could see the winds making it a problem for the horses coming home.”

Canuseeme Bow led the field of seven into the first turn in :27.1. Following in second was Electrikyle with driver Joe Essig Jr. Heavy favorite My Chief and driver Brian Barnes were in third.

Heading down the backstretch, Barnes called on My Chief to take the lead. The duo sailed to the half mile in :56. Not far behind was Canuseeme Bow. As the field reached the top of the stretch, it was still My Chief. Electrikyle made a bid for the lead after passing Canuseeme Bow. Trapped in third along the rail, Canuseeme Bow came from between horses to get up in the stretch for the win.

“If it was possible, we wanted to stick behind My Chief,” said Eash. “As soon as I got to the front early in the race, I was hoping My Chief would get the lead. My Chief will be coming back tough next week.”

Canuseeme Bow returned $17.40, $9.80, and $7.40 for the win. The three-year-old son of Electric Yankee is owned and trained by Eash. Silver Sons and driver Jeff Cullipher rallied for second. Electrikyle held on for third.

There was no upset in the second division as Letsroll Bluegrass and driver Don Irvine Jr. won by an increasable lead at the wire. The lead, which expanded coming off of the final turn, grew to more than 11 and three quarter lengths, bringing the three-year-old home in 1:56.2.

“The plan was to settle in close behind whoever led the race,” said Irvine Jr. “I knew that the field would not catch us after the turn. Without the winds, he (Letsroll Bluegrass) might have been three seconds faster. I thing we are in good position for the final.”

Letsroll Bluegrass paid $3.60, $3.00, and $2.60 for the victory. The Mark Johnathan colt is owned by Dr. Luel Overstreet of Henderson, Ky. John Merkel trains Letsroll Bluegrass. Finishing second was Skyway Prince and driver Tom Luther. Bad Boy Bear and trainer-driver Robert Taylor got up for third.