Ponda Adventure, Max Contract capture Hoosier features

Anderson, IN— Ponda Adventure (Swan For All, Joey Putnam, $20.00) and Max Contract (Huntsville, Joey Putnam, $3.20) captured the harness racing victories in the $22,000 Open events at Harrah’s Hoosier Park on Saturday evening (Sept. 23).

Out of the gate, Bluebird Deacon (Atlee Bender) and Brookview Bolt (Trace Tetrick) battled for the early lead. As they made their way around the first turn, Brookview Bolt had the lead, with Just For Trix (John De Long) following from the outside in second. Ponda Adventure was close behind in third. As they approached the quarter-mile pole in :27.1, Just For Trix passed Brookview Bolt to take the lead.

Just For Trix led the way by two lengths over Brookview Bolt. Ponda Adventure followed in third as they passed the half-mile mark in :55.3.

As they passed the three-quarter mile in 1:25.1, Just For Trix still led the way with Brookview Bolt closing in in second and Tug And Coop (Jordan Ross) following from the outside in third.

Ponda Adventure rushed up from the inside, battling Tug and Coop and Brookview Bolt for the lead. Ponda Adventure crossed the wire by a head over Tug And Coop in 1:53.3. Bluebird Deacon got third in a photo finish.

PONDA ADVENTURE REPLAY

Ponda Adventure is a 4-year-old gelding owned by Engel Stable Of Il LLC, Louis Willinger, and Jerry Graham. Erv Miller is his trainer.

In the second $22,000 Open trot of the evening, Skyway Brittany (Lewayne Miller) left the gate first, with Hot Mess Express (Marvin Luna) quickly stealing the lead from the outside. Love Me Hill (Ricky Macomber Jr) followed in third as they passed the quarter-mile in :26.

Hot Mess Express led the way, with Patsville (John De Long) closing in from the outside. Skyway Brittany was racing third as they hit the half-mile mark in :54.3.

Patsville took the lead, followed by Hot Mess Express in second. Elektra A (Kyle Wilfong) rushed to battle Skyway Brittany for third from the outside. They passed the three-quarter mile in 1:22.3.

Patsville was still the leader as Max Contract moved down the track from the outside, making her way to the front. Max Contract took the lead and crossed the wire first in 1:49.3. Patsville came in second and No Win No Feed A (Atlee Bender) finished in third.

MAX CONTRACT REPLAY

Max Contract is a 4-year-old mare trained by Julie Miller for owners Andy Miller Stable Inc and Jean Goehlen. Coming off an impressive win at The Red Mile in 1:48.3, this was her first start at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

Joey Putnam drove three winners.

Racing at Harrah’s Hoosier Park resumes Tuesday, September 26. Post time is 6:15 p.m. ET.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Nicolle Kain, for Harnesslink