Helphasarrived was on a mission Saturday, Sept. 2 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. The three-year-old trotter rallied home for the win with driver Jordan Ross at the controls.
Helphasarrived and Jordan Ross rally to a new lifetime mark Saturday, Sept. 2 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Photo by Dean Gillette
Starting from post one, Helphasarrived went straight out for the lead in the $16,0000 Indiana Sires Stakes eligible trot. Following the quarter in :28.0, Brookview Darius and Atlee Bender pulled out of the three-hole and moved toward the lead, reaching the top spot after the half in :56.2. From there, Brookview Darius dictated the tempo of the race to the stretch.
In the stretch, Helphasarrived popped out and began moving in on Brookview Darius. The two colts were in synchronized motion in the final strides with Helphasarrived getting the advantage by a neck. Empire Builder and Kyle Wilfong rallied up late for third.
Helphasarrived paid $8.20 for the win. The Helpisontheway sophomore is owned by Twoforone Stable and trained by John Merkel. Kristin Wagler bred the gelding, who is part of the first crop by Helpisontheway. He was a $9,000 purchase from the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale. He is the first foal from the Swan for All mare Reigningblackswan, who took a mark of 1:54.2 and made more than $140,000 during her career. She also has a two-year-old full brother to Helphasarrived named Morehelpcoming, who has started this year. The family also has a weanling this year named Reigning Hill, a filly by You Know You Do that will be in the sales next year.
Helphasarrived now has five wins this season in 13 starts after going winless as a two-year-old. The mile of 1:53.2 Saturday recorded a new lifetime mark for the trotter.
Later on the card, Flagman and Rick Plano came flying home on the outside to win the $22,000 Open Trot. The six-year-old Guccio gelding followed cover to the lane and trotted home in :26.4 for the win in 1:53.1. Dunbar Hall and Kyle Wilfong finished second over Toy’s For You and Joey Putnam pinch hitting for trainer Rick Plano, who also trains him.
Flagman paid $4.40 for the win. He is owned by Maryann Plano and was bred by Pond-A-Acres.
It was the fourth win of the season for Flagman, who now has in excess of $314,000 in earnings. His career best tie of 1:51.0 was taken earlier this year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park for the Planos. Overall, he has 27 career wins in 79 career starts.