Anderson, IN — Following a break in the Maple Leaf Trot, Winner’s Bet earned some redemption in the Charlie Hill Memorial at Eldorado Scioto Downs two weeks ago. He continued to avenge that loss on Friday (Sept. 20) with a dominant performance in the $200,000 Caesars Trotting Classic at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.
“We had some bad luck in the Hambletonian Maturity with the post draw, and he ran behind the gate in the Maple Leaf,” said winning trainer Nancy Takter. “We have had some unfortunate situations, but he bounced back to show how nice he is.”
After being parked for much of the mile in the Charlie Hill Memorial, the trip on Saturday was much easier for the son of Walner. With several leavers inside, Dexter Dunn bided his time with Winner’s Bet riding the coattails of Ponda Jet (Kyle Wilfong) into the opening turn. When Ponda Jet went by Chapercraz (Yannick Gingras) for the lead, Dunn stepped on the gas clearing into the backstretch off a :27 opening quarter.
“It was pretty easy down the backstretch, but he felt fantastic,” said Dunn.
Dunn worked out a :28.1 second-quarter breather with the field still in straight alignment at the half. Oh Well (Todd McCarthy) began his bid for the lead three-eighths of a mile from home, with Periculum (Scott Zeron) right on his back second over. As that bid started, Winner’s Bet kicked clear by two lengths midway around the final turn.
At three-quarters in 1:23.1, Winner’s Bet had kicked clear to a four-length lead. Through the stretch, it was clear that his foes were battling for minor spoils as Winner’s Bet cruised to an easy 1:50.3 victory. Oh Well finished second, with Periculum finishing third, while It’s Academic rallied to be fourth.
“He does his work pretty easily, he felt so good coming off the last turn, and I was able to get away from them,” Dunn said.
Owned by Lindy Farms of Connecticut, and Robert Rudolph, the 4-year-old became harness racing’s newest millionaire pushing his earnings to $1,000,471, with six victories in eight starts this season.