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Extermynator wins Heartland Futurity at Horseshoe Indianapolis

Extermynator won his trial in impressive fashion to be ranked as the second fastest qualifier for the Heartland Futurity, but he proved he was up for task by winning the 13th running of the $145,200 event Saturday during the third All-Quarter Horse Day of 2022 at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville.

The purse was the richest ever offered for the stakes race.

Extermynator (photo) was strong out of the gate and held his ground against his opponents. Guided by German Rodriguez, the Tres Seis gelding fended off attacks from all sides in the final strides for the win by one half length over inside challenger Southern Seis and Jose Beltran.

WRs Hava Dasher and Juan Marquez won the tight photo for third over King of Woodbridge and Cristian Reyes. The time of the 300-yard dash was 15.389 seconds, just a few ticks off the stakes record for the Heartland Futurity.

 

 

Extermynator paid $12.80 for the win. The Bobby Cox bred gelding is owned by Gordon Timm, longtime owner for trainer Randy Smith.

“Gordy (Timm) and I bought this horse down at the Heritage Place September Yearling Sale,” said Smith. “Of course, without good owners and good help, we wouldn’t be here.”

Extermynator is now two for three in his young career. It was the first time German Rodriguez was aboard in a race as Juan Marquez, who rides first call for Smith, opted for the mount aboard WRs Hava Dasher, the quickest qualifier from the trials.

“He broke really fast, but a little to the left,” said Rodriguez. “After that, he got focused and finished it out. He’s actually a pretty chill horse. He was a little bit of a handful in the gate, but besides that, he’s a fun horse to ride.”

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