Harrah’s Hoosier Park will host the 28th edition of the track’s signature event, the $325,000 Dan Patch Stakes Friday, Aug. 13. The race, carded as the 13th on the card, has drawn a full field of 10, including two Indiana sired standouts Little Rocket Man and Tellmeaboutit.
Little Rocket Man and John DeLong will vie for the Dan Patch Stakes title Friday, Aug. 13 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Photo by Dean Gillette
Little Rocket Man has the most wins this season of the field with nine trips to the winner’s circle this season in 14 starts. The five-year-old Rockin Image gelding earned a best time of 1:48.3 earlier this year for trainer Missy Essig. He will begin from post six with John DeLong in the bike.
Joining Little Rocket Man to represent Indiana is Tellmeaboutit from the Alvin Miller barn. The four-year-old son of Tellitlikeitis has only finished back of third twice this season in 10 starts. His quickest time this year is 1:48.0. Michael Oosting will guide Tellmeaboutit from the outside post nine.
The Dan Patch field is an ensemble of impressive contenders. All but two of the starters have marks under the 1:50 time barrier this year with four dipping under the 1:48.0 time barrier in 2021. Catch the Fire and Scott Zeron will kick off the event as the early favorites from post four. They have earned six wins in nine starts this season to garner the nod as the favorite.
The Dan Patch Stakes is presented by Brittany Farms. The race will be complemented by several series and other top races, including the $45,000 Gregg Haston Memorial invitational pace in Race 12. Purses for the 14 race card topple over the $460,000 mark. First post for Dan Patch Night is 6:30 p.m.