News
Notes and Quotes For Race Week Ending May 18
Dan Patch Invitational Field Taking Shape –
Ten of the best older pacing horses in the nation will compete in the 15thedition of the $200,000 Dan Patch Invitational Saturday, May 24. The race will be carded as the 11th on the program with an estimated post time of 10:30 p.m.
Headlining the event is Artistic Fella, last year’s winner of the event. The five-year-old horse has earned over $1.7 million in his lifetime. He has been among the top three in all four of his outings this year. The Steve Elliott trained horse comes to Indiana off a third place finish in the $284,000 Graduate at The Meadowlands Saturday, May 17. Artistic Fella’s best time is 1:48.4, which was recorded in 2006.
Artistic Fella also has the distinction of being the product of Pacific Fella, who earned the title in the 1998 edition of the Dan Patch. Pacific Fella circled Hoosier Park’s seven-eighths mile oval in a time of 1:48.2 to establish a new track record. That record still stands today as the fastest mile ever contested in the state of Indiana.
Last year, Artistic Fella’s performance in the Dan Patch was clocked in 1:49.4, making his mile the fastest time at Hoosier Park since the 2005 Dan Patch Invitational. Driver Cat Manzi guided both father and son to their wins at Hoosier Park.
Other horses who are possible starters in this year’s event include Maltese Artist, Bono Bests, Booze Cruzin, Benns Superman, Artist’s View, Ataboyart, and Radar Installed N. Trainer George Teague is also weighing his options with either Southwind Lynx or Total Truth as possible contenders for the title. Total Truth was the winner of the 2006 Hoosier Cup at Hoosier Park.
In addition to the races, there are promotions and giveaways planned for Dan Patch Night. Several of the new books, “Crazy Good: The Story of Dan Patch” written by Charlie Leerhsen, will be given away during the night. Zanna-Doo, an Indianapolis-based group, will perform. Celebrity impersonators Marilyn Monroe and Elton John will stroll through the crowds during the night as well. The first race post is 6:45 p.m.
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Notable-
**New Dan Patch Books Available at Hoosier Park. Beginning Dan Patch Night Saturday, May 24, the new book “Crazy Good: The True Story of Dan Patch” will be available for purchase in Shelby’s Gifts, Hoosier Park’s official gift shop. The books will sell for $20. Author Charles Leerhsen will make a special appearance at Hoosier Park Wednesday, June 18 at 8 p.m. to sign books and talk with race fans about the great racehorse from the early 1900s.
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“Quotable”—
**Driver Dan Shetler following his win with Benns Superman to receive an invitation into the Dan Patch Invitational next week. “This horse (Benns Superman) does everything you ask of him. It’s always fun to drive in the big races, so I look forward to next week’s Dan Patch with him.”
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Upcoming Promotions-
**Dollar Fridays. Every Friday throughout the Standardbred meet will give fans a break on their wallets. Hoosier Park will offer $1 drafts, $1 hot dogs, and $1 wagers during the night. The evening will also feature live entertainment each week.
**$25,000 Saturday Spectacular Sweepstakes. Hoosier Park Rewards members are taking advantage of the $25,000 Saturday Spectacular Sweepstakes. The promotion features $1,000 cash drawings each Saturday leading up to the grand prize Saturday, July 5th. One lucky member will win $10,000 on the final night of the promotion.
**Belmont Stakes Day. Big Brown, winner of both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, will try to be the first horse to win the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978 during the Belmont Stakes Saturday, June 7. Hoosier Park will carry the entire card from Belmont Park for fans to watch and wager on the event.
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Don’t Forget---
**Live Standardbred racing continues Wednesday through Sunday. The 71-day meet concludes Saturday, July 12. Simulcasting is offered seven days a week. Doors open at 11 a.m.
**To receive Notes & Quotes electronically, e-mail tammyk@hoosierpark.com.
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