Brookview El Zorro proved he has what it takes to make his mark in Indiana Sires Stakes action. The freshman trotter rallied to an open length win in the first round of action for two-year-old colts and geldings Saturday, July 15 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.
Brookview El Zorro and Atlee Bender cruise home to a win in Indiana Sires Stakes action Saturday, July 15 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Photo by Dean Gillette
Brookview El Zorro and Atlee Bender began their journey from post four and moved out to secure a spot near the leaders as Ponda Marshall and Ricky Macomber Jr. moved out to take the lead. The chestnut colt, who was the sale topper last fall at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale fetching $170,000, was leading the way past the quarter in :28.2 before Brookview El Zorro and Bender moved out from third and was on top leading the way by the half in :59.1. Ponda Marshall with his low head carriage followed along behind Brookview El Zorro, who crossed by the three-quarters in 1:30.2.
In the stretch, Brookview El Zorro was in full command, moving out to a comfortable four-length advantage before drifting out and coasting under the wire as the winner by two lengths in 1:58.1. Ponda Marshall held on for second, fending off Uncle Archie and Doug Rideout, who closed in to finish third on the inside of Ponda Marshall.
Brookview El Zorro paid $6.00 for the win. The Swan in a Million gelding is trained by Erv Miller and is owned by the partnership of Miller Stable, Douglas Overhiser, Andy Willinger and Engel Stables. Brookview Farms bred the youngster, who is also from a well-bred maternal line. He is a half brother to the trotting standout Brookview Bolt, who has a mark of 1:52.0 and more than $545,000 and Brookview Darius, who has more than $121,000 on his card. The dam, Witty’s Winner, is a 100 percent producer with four foals now in the win column.
Brookview El Zorro is now two for three in his career. His best time of 1:57.3 was taken in his first win. He was a $20,000 purchase from the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale last fall by Overhiser.
In the second division of two-year-old trotting colts and geldings, Flight Number One gave new sire Pilot Discretion his first Indiana Sires Stakes winner by scoring the victory in the $66,000 first leg in 1:57.3. Guided by John DeLong, Flight Number One got away in mid pack and pulled first over before the half in :59.0. He came up to challenge race leader Mel Gibswan and Brandon Bates before going to battle with the leader in the stretch. Flight Number One was relentless to get the lead, fighting all the way to the wire for the win by a nose over Mel Gibswan. Raylan Drew and Trace Tetrick finished third.
Flight Number One paid $3.20 for the win. The freshman is owned by Matthew Miller and John McGill. Missy Essig trains the gelding, who was bred by Elmer Miller Jr. He was a $13,000 purchase last year from the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale from the In-Law Stables consignment by Matt Miller.
Flight Number One is now undefeated in three starts and has $48,000 on his card. His win two starts ago remains as his career best time of 1:57.2.