Sectionline Bigry win streak ends in Open

Sectionline Bigry was all the talk the last two months with a five-race harness racing winning streak on the line going into the $22,000 Open Pace at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Friday evening.

No one seemed to have told that to Little Rocket Man, who ended Sectionline Bigry’s winning ways.

The ninth race feature began with Beaumond Hanover and driver Trace Tetrick shooting out to take control of the race with Tivo Hanover (Tyler Smith) sitting the two-hole trip.

They raced by the opening quarter in :26.3 and stayed in single file past the half mile marker in :54.3 with Beaumond Hanover sitting comfortably in front by two lengths.

Then the action began to heat up as they headed towards the final turn. Driver John Delong came first-over with Little Rocket Man, giving second-over cover to Sectionline Bigry and driver Brett Miller. Both horses were the even money co-favorites.

Catching up to pacesetter Beaumond Hanover at the three-quarters in 1:22.1, Little Rocket Man put away the leader but then had to worry about Sectionline Bigry as they raced down the stretch.

But try as he might, Sectionline Bigry could not collar Little Rocket Man, who just head on at the wire to win by a head in 1:48.4. Tivo Hanover was third.

 LITTLE ROCKETMAN REPLAY

For Little Rocket Man it was his second straight win after three starts this season for trainer Melissa Essig. A six-year-old gelding by Rockin Image, Little Rocket Man is co-owned by Russell Beeman and Jack Freeman, paying $4.00 to win. For Little Rocket Man it was his 34^th win in just 57 lifetime starts.

For complete race results, click here.

By Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink