Big Gulp, the undefeated two-year-old on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit, added another win to his credentials Sunday, Feb. 5 with a victory in the $25,000 Open II Pace. Guided by Sam Widger, the big Indiana sired gelding paced home in :28.0 for the win in 1:52.3.
Big Gulp and Sam Widger scored another win Sunday, Feb. 5 at Miami Valley. That makes three wins in 2023 for the big gelding. Photo by Conrad Photography
Big Gulp had the inside post and rallied out from behind the gate, securing the early spot behind Incredible Man driven by Brandon Bates. Also an Indiana sired product, Incredible Man led the way through fractions of :27.4, :56.2, and 1:24.2 under a big hold from Bates. Big Gulp was waiting to make his move and there wasn’t a lot of traffic on the outside, so he was able to move out to challenge at the head of the lane.
Once clear, Big Gulp kicked into another gear and rallied home for the two and three-quarter length win. Incredible Man finished second over a fast closing VP Rockin and Brett Miller, who moved from last to first widest of all to nip Racing Hill and Mitchell Cushing at the wire for third. VP Rockin is also Indiana sired, making it an Indiana trifecta in the race.
Big Gulp paid $9.40 for the win. The Always a Virgin five-year-old is trained by Walter Haynes Jr. for owners Jeff Fought Racing and Brian Carsey. Ben Yoder bred the gelding, who raced for the Yoders at two under Jay Cross before being acquired by his current connections.
Big Gulp is now three for four in 2023. It was his 25th trip to the winner’s circle lifetime and his earnings are now over $230,000. Big Gulp took his career best time as a three-year-old at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in 1:49.4. He has paced several miles under the 1:50 time barrier during his career.
Big Gulp is the last foal from the mare Astra Destiny, who has had six foals, all of which have raced. Big Gulp is the quickest and she has produced four foals now with earnings over $200,000, including Mandy’s Mattjesty (1:50.2, $307,105), Legal Transfer (1:50.3, $278,044), and Legal Spike (1:50.3, $261,000). All six of her foals are from different sires, and all but one are Indiana sired.
Another son of Always a Virgin was a winner on the Sunday card. HC Commander and Austin Hanners rallied up first over and endured a tough trip for the win by one-half length over The Fear Is Real and Brady Galliers. Buddythebookie and Brett Miller finished third.
HC Commander paid $19.80 for the win in the conditioned claimer. The four-year-old gelding is trained by Ryan Holton for owner Peggy Carter. Herman Miller bred the gelding.