The Indiana Sired Fair Circuit (ISFC) made its first stop at the Shelby County Fairgrounds Monday, July 18 and it was a pair of Miller freshman that added another win to their card. Kruisin Kristen and M-M’s Tony both lead the way in points toward the Governor’s Cup Championships in their respective divisions as the “Quest For the Governor’s Cup” continues.
Kruisin Kristen and Jay Cross scored their fifth straight win in the Quest For the Governor’s Cup ISFC series at Shelbyville Monday, July 18.
In the two-year-old filly pace, Kruisin Kristen pursued the lead early but had to contend with Vel Miss Taylor and Bradley Ferguson to the quarter as they had the inside post, leaving Kruisin Kristen on the outside at the quarter in :30.2. Kruisin Kristen soon took over and led through the half in 1:01.3 and three-quarters in 1:33.0. Around the final turn, Swartz Bros Elen and Mike Peterson were leading the way on the outside toward Kruisin Kristen, but she was too strong, pacing home in :30.1 for the win by three lengths. Swartz Broz Elen was second over Vel Straight out and Carson Conrad for third.
Kruisin Kristen is a daughter of Tellitlikeitis. It was her fifth win in a row and sixth in seven starts so far for Cross, who has been in the bike for all the starts. Alvin Miller owns and trains the filly, who is a full sister to the great Tellmeaboutit, also campaigned by Miller. She is the last foal from Portia Blue Chip, who has produced 10 winners in 12 foals, all Indiana sired products. Her quickest time so far was taken at Portland in her start before Shelbyville in 2:00.0.
Miller also has a strong candidate in the two-year-old pacing colt and gelding ranks. M-M’s Tony, also by Tellitlikeitis, was a winner Monday at Shelbyville and moved into the lead among his peers. Starting from the second tier for Cross, M-M’s Tony got away third as Vel Big Bruiser and Bradley Ferguson set the early fractions of :30.0 and :59.0 before M-M’s Tony moved out and around to take the lead. Some Happy Pacer and Clay Craib were on the outside to challenge for the final quarter, but M-M’s Tony pulled away from the field, winning by three and one-half lengths in 2:01.0. Some Happy Pacer finished second over Vel Big Bruiser for third.
M-M’s Tony, also owned and trained by Miller, is now five for seven this year on the ISFC. His latest win was a new lifetime mark. He is the second foal from the Western Ideal mare Climate Hanover, who took a mark of 1:51.3 during her career. She also has a yearling colt by Tellitlikeitis named M-M’s Bud. It was also the quickest mile on the day during the ISFC session.
The other division of two-year-old pacing colts and geldings was won by Starlit Rockstar with Mike Peterson in the bike. The Rockin Image gelding led gate to wire to score the mile in 2:02.1, a final quarter in :29.4. Peterson also owns and trains the gelding bred by John Wagler. He is the first foal from the mare Sky Fulla Star, who has a mark of 1:53.1 and made nearly six figures in her career. She also has a yearling colt by Luck Be Withyou named Starlit Vegas.
Peterson bought Starlit Rockstar from the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale last fall for $11,000. The latest win was his second in four outings. His career best time was taken at Frankfort in 1:59.2 in early July.