ANDERSON, Ind.-August 14, 2015 – JK Endofanera and harness racing driver Brett Miller used a valiant stretch drive to overtake a field of ten in the 22nd installment of the $300,000 Dan Patch Stakes on Friday, August 14 at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. With a final time of 1:48.4, JK Endofanera was able to take advantage of the long Hoosier Park stretch to score his third win of the season for trainer, Jimmy Takter.
Leaving from the coveted rail position, JK Endofanera was quick off the gate but was forced to settle for a spot along the rail in third as Ricky Macomber Jr. had Bettor's Edge on a mission from post nine. Bettor's Edge was the first to get a call through a snappy opening panel in :25.3, while Lyonssomewhere and Andy Miller benefitted from a pocket trip with the rest of the field sorting out early position.
Lyonssomewhere made a move to the front approaching the second station but his lead would be short lived as Yannick Gingras had the post time favorite, Foiled Again, pointed to the front. The quick tempo continued as Foiled Again reached the front at the half mile mark in :53.1 and was joined immediately feeling the pressure from Clear Vision and Trace Tetrick on the outside.
As the field passed the three-quarter clocking in 1:21.1, Clear Vision was able to put away Foiled Again but looked down a long Hoosier Park stretch and braced himself for the cavalry charge behind him. JK Endofanera appeared to be buried at the top of the stretch as he was sitting eighth at the pylons turning for home. Matt Kakaley had All Bets Off well placed at the top of the stretch as they made a valiant bid for the lead but his biggest threat was still behind him.
Miller found late racing room, asked his mount for more, and JK Endofanera exploded past his rivals with a :26.2 final quarter to get the win by two and a half lengths. All Bets Off held on gamely for the second place finish while Clear Vision rounded out the trifecta. As the betting publics' second choice, JK Endofanera returned $6.40 to his backers.
"The race definitely didn't shape up like I hoped," Miller noted in the winner's circle with a laugh. "I was buried on the rail and when we were coming around the last turn I honestly thought to myself, it's all up to God now."
"I know the track and I know how long this stretch is, we definitely used it to our advantage tonight," he continued. "Jimmy (Takter) told me when he got this horse that he is the real deal and after the last few races, I've had a lot of confidence in him. He definitely showed how good of a horse he is tonight. It was a great race; this is actually a race I've always wanted to win."
Trained by Jimmy Takter the four-year-old son of Art Major-Presidential Lady notched his third win from eight starts in 2015. With the win, JK Endofanera pushed his lifetime bankroll to $1,712,088 for his connections at the 3 Brothers Stables.
Hoosier Park's Dan Patch Stakes saw measurable success on all fronts. Excitement pervaded throughout the grandstand as a large, enthusiastic crowd welcomed the 22nd edition of Hoosier Park's signature event to the track. The wagering front also success and offered significant value to the horseplayer with the continuation of a $10,000 Guaranteed Pick-4 and a $25,000 Guaranteed Superfecta.
Live racing continues at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Saturday, August 15. With an adjusted post time of 4:00 p.m., Saturday's 14-race card will feature the $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes finals for the two-year-old divisions. For more information on the upcoming entertainment and live racing schedule at Hoosier Park, please visit www.hoosierpark.com.
Emily Gaskin