Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Dawn Of A New Day wins $500,000 Hoosier Cup

Saturday Night, June 25, 2005

Dawn Of A New Day, piloted by David Miller, captured the ninth edition of the Hoosier Cup in 1:50.3 Saturday Night. Odds On Duane was second, with Team Hutch third.

Starting from post one in the 12-horse lineup, Miller used just enough speed with Dawn Ofa New Day to stay close to the lead. Team Hutch and David Magee secured the top spot at the quarter in :26.0. As soon as the backstretch arrived, Miller had the Western Ideal colt out and moving, smoothly taking control of the pace by the half in :53.4.

"I wanted to get him out and away from any trouble," said Miller. "I really didn't know what to expect in the race. I didn't know if there would be a lot of speed early on, but he's a nice colt and raced really well tonight."

The remainder of the one-mile pace was all under the direction of Dawn Ofa New Day. Odds On Duane and Tim Tetrick were forced first over, moving the outer flow of traffic into striking position for the stretch drive home. However, Dawn Ofa New Day was too strong, pulling away from the field by open lengths to win in a time of 1:50.3, equaling his lifetime best and the stakes record for the Hoosier Cup.

Dawn Ofa New Day now has two wins in three outings for 2005. Owned by Norman and Gerald Smiley along with Ted Gewertz, the colt more than doubled his career earnings with the victory, bringing his tally to more than $400,000. Chris Ryder, who was making his seventh start in the Hoosier Cup, earned his first training win with Dawn Ofa New Day.

"Chris (Ryder) has done a really nice job with this colt," said Miller. "He's got him in great shape and I hope he can keep going on season long."

The Hoosier Cup closes out the 61-day Standardbred meet 15-race program that included purses totaling $1,185,500.