It took the last of seven trials in the Heartland Futurity to determine the top performer Saturday at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville.
WRS Hava Dasher (photo), hailing from Williams Racing Stable, turned in the fastest time of 15.492 seconds to lead the way into the $75,000 final slated for July 23.
Guided by Juan Marquez, who had six winners on the day during the 16-race program, WRS Hava Dasher dove out early for the lead and held her own through the 300-yard dash before easily stopping the timer in 15.492, one and three-quarter lengths ahead of second-place finisher The Political Sign and Cristian Aguirre-Erives. RC Soldier and Giovani Vazquez Gomez finished third.
It was the second career start for WRS Hava Dasher, who broke her maiden in the trial. The homebred daughter of Apollitical Blood is a half brother to Indiana standouts WRs Valentino, a four-time stakes winner including this year’s Horseshoe Indianapolis Overnight Stakes.
The win also was the final of seven wins on the card for trainer Randy Smith, equaling his own record for most wins by a trainer in one day. Two-year-olds from the Smith barn won four trials in the Heartland Futurity. Others winners from the barn were Jupyter, ridden by German Rodriguez, Extermynator, ridden by Marquez, and You Fly Baby Fly and Marquez.
Extermynator was the second quickest among the finalists for the Heartland Futurity while You Fly Baby Fly was the third fastest to advance.
A newcomer to the Indiana scene was a winner in one of the Heartland Futurity Trials as Southern Seis and Jose Beltran turned in an impressive performance for the win in 15.525. The sorrel daughter of Tres Seis was a $30,000 purchase by trainer Blas Juarez and his daughter Zareth. She had four previous starts at Remington before shipping up to win her second career race in the Heartland Futurity.
“As soon as we purchased her (Southern Seis), I knew right away she was special,” said Blas Juarez, who is based out of Fairmount Park in East St. Louis. “My daughter owns her, and our intentions have always been to bring her here for the stakes.”
Other trial winners included Maysa and Rolando Pina in 15.543. The Coronado Cartel filly is trained by Tim Eggleston. The other trial winner was Hes Legendary out of the Ron Raper barn. Shanley Jackson guided the Hes Relentless gelding to a win in 15.562.
