Robin I Scoot, Indiana’s 2008 Horse of the Year, proved he hasn’t lost his touch, winning the season opener at Hoosier Park Racing and Casino Tuesday, March 24
. The victory for Robin I Scoot and driver Bill Dailey was recorded in their first start of the season in the $23,000 Inaugural Pace for invitational horses.
Robin I Scoot hustled out of the gate for the top spot, getting to the first quarter in a brisk :25.2. He was immediately overtaken by Roxies Big Guy and driver Elliott Deaton before the half-way mark in :56.1. The Dick Macomber entry of Gotta Go Moe and Vapor In The Wind began to move in around the final turn, but Dailey kept Robin I Scoot firmly in the pocket until the three-quarter mile marker was reached in 1:24.2.
In the stretch, Robin I Scoot tipped off of Roxies Big Guy’s back and began to dig in for the victory. Roxies Big Guy would not back down, putting up a fight until the final strides, but in the end, Robin I Scoot was the stronger finisher, posting a time of 1:52.4 into a head wind for the victory. Roxies Big Guy finished second while Rocket Fuel and Mark O’Mara rallied gamely from behind for third.
“I thought the roan horse (Rocket Fuel) would be the one to beat,” said Dailey. “I also thought the Macomber crew (Gotta Go Moe and Vapor In The Wind) would be more aggressive. I drove this horse (Robin I Scoot) once before last year at Indiana Downs and had a win with him. I feel very fortunate to get to drive a horse like this. He’s a class horse and knows how to win.”
Robin I Scoot earned 10 wins in 25 outings last season for nearly $200,000 in earnings. Now four, the gelded son of I Scoot Hanover now has 20 career wins and a bankroll of more than $300,000 for Shady Lane Meadows of Grabill, Ind. Dan Perdue trains Robin I Scoot.
“I didn’t expect him to win tonight in his first start of the year,” admitted Perdue. “We were hoping for a little easier trip. He (Robin I Scoot) was in against some tough horses, but it usually takes the ones from Florida a few weeks to acclimate to the change in weather and to recuperate from the trip north. I couldn’t believe he paid that much, though, for the win.”
Robin I Scoot rewarded his backers with $14.40, $6.20, and $15.00 across the board. He paced home in 28 seconds flat for the three-quarter length advantage over Roxies Big Guy.
In other racing action on the 12-race season opener, driver Andy Shetler brought home four winners to lead the early race for leading driver. Shetler connected with Meritage Hanover in the fourth race followed by Frankthebank in Race 6. Shetler completed his evening with wins in the seventh race with The Tappan Zee and the ninth race with Royalton Star. Two of the wins were for trainer Bernie Wolin (Frankthebank and The Tappan Zee).
The highest purse of the night was awarded to Speed N The Tunnel and driver Sam Widger. The duo claimed the top spot in the $25,000 Invitational Trot, slated as Race 11. Speed N The Tunnel was a one-length winner over Azur and Verlin Yoder in a time of 1:56.3. MJs Victory and Steve Carter trotted home for third from the back of the pack.
Speed N The Tunnel is owned by Brett and Lynn Wilfong. Brett also trains the six-year-old Armbro Tunnel mare, which was making her first start of 2009.
Widger, one of the top drivers on the Chicago circuit the past decade, is planning to drive at Hoosier Park on Tuesdays and Saturdays during the 80-race meet. The season continues through July 11 with a Tuesday through Saturday schedule. Post time each evening is 4:45 p.m. while racing will begin at 12:45 p.m. on Saturdays.
(Hoosier)