Somewhere Rockin and Trace Tetrick brought home a unique winner for trainer Ron Burke, winning in an overlooked race by bettors. The mild longshot scored a win in the Indiana Sires Stakes Eligible race going for a purse of $9,000.
Driver Trace Tetrick guides Somewhere Rockin to his fourth victory of 2023 Friday, May 26 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Photo by Dean Gillette
Somewhere Rockin had little options at the beginning, starting from post 10. The Rockin Image gelding got away in mid pack, following along as Uncle DD and Brandon Bates led the way to the quarter in :25.4 and Coaches Corner and Clint Coy, who led the way to the half in :54.0. Also at the half, the third leader of the race came into focus with Crown Hanover and Ricky Macomber, a stable mate to Somewhere Rockin, moved up gamely on the outside for a short advantage. Somewhere Rockin was also on the outside to challenge, waiting patiently for the lead.
In the stretch, Somewhere Rockin took over and paced home in :28.3 for the win by one and three-quarter lengths in 1:52.0. Lil Joe IV from last year’s Indiana Sired Fair Circuit, and Kyle Wilfong finished second with Coach Wendl and John DeLong finished third. Somewhere Rockin is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Beasty LLC, Frank Baldachino and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. Stephanie Smith-Rothaug of Ohio bred the gelding, who earned his fourth win of the year after missing the winner’s circle as a two-year-old.
The time of 1:52.0 was a new lifetime mark for Somewhere Rockin. Overall, he has more than $34,000 on his card. He was purchased from the Lexington Select Yearling Sale for a price tag of $35,000.
Later in the card, Sure Thing Herman was a winner in the evening’s featured $22,000 Open Pace. Guided by Atlee Bender, Sure Thing Herman sat off the early leaders as Tellmeaboutit and Michael Oosting got the first call at the quarter in :25.4 and half in :54.2. Around the turn, horses began to move up to challenge, including Sure Thing Herman, who was widest of all.
Sure Thing Herman kicked into another gear, finishing in :26.1 for the win by one length over Primary Colors and Brandon Bates. Tellmeaboutit finished third.
Sure Thing Herman is trained by Jeff Cullipher and paid $10.00 for the win. The four-year-old son of Tellitlikeitis is owned by Pollack Racing and Cullipher. Jerry Graham bred the gelding.