SHELBYVILLE, IN—OCTOBER 21, 2017—Tommy The Train proved how tough he really is in the 21st running of the $120,120 QHRAI Derby at Indiana Grand Saturday night.

The three-year-old son of Freighttrain B didn’t have a perfect journey but was able to put together a trip that brought home the win, his fourth straight victory with Jockey James Flores aboard.

Starting from post two, Tommy The Train came out of the gate awkwardly and drifted in, catching some contact with Prudish Cartel in the process. Flores was able to get the gelding straightened up and he began to run during the 400-yard dash. Midway through the race, it appeared that Tommy The Train would kick into his familiar closing gear and pull away from the field, but he seemed to flatten out late in the race.

One Fantastic Gal and Luis Guerrero were in position to pounce on Tommy The Train in the late stages of the race, and they took advantage of the situation. They closed in to create an exciting finish and a tight photo at the wire. After a short deliberation, it was determined Tommy The Train was the winner by a nose over One Fantastic Gal. Cartels Justice and Jorge Torres finished third.

An objection regarding the start then prolonged the win once again for the connections of Tommy The Train for a second time after the race. However, the objection was disallowed, providing the platform for Tommy The Train to retain his perfect six for six record at Indiana Grand.

The heavy favorite of the field, Tommy The Train paid $2.80, $2.40 and $2.10. The time of the race was :20.247 seconds. "He (Tommy The Train) did just about everything he could to get beat tonight," laughed Sharp. "He had a pretty good run, then he laid off a bit. I don’t know. Maybe he’s like me and wanted to go home."

Tommy The Train has been at Indiana Grand since before the trials, which were held Oct. 7. Sharp said he doesn’t do anything special with the horse between races and he’s easy to keep fit. He did notice a change in him leading up to the final of the QHRAI Derby earlier in the day.

"He (Tommy The Train) did get a little nervous in the stall today," said Sharp. "There were so many people coming through, and he knew he was going to run. He started walking the stall a little. This win was a gift tonight. He was able to pull through to get the win."

Tommy The Train now has eight career wins in 12 career starts for owners Brant and Jon Barley and Brad Sharp. He increased his bankroll to more than $220,000 with his win in the QHRAI Derby. It also marked his third stakes win at Indiana Grand in the past 12 months.

Runner-up One Fantastic Gal races for owner Elizabeth O'Briant and trainer Jeannette Hoover. Womack/Cavender Farms bred the Favorite Cartel filly in Oklahoma from the Mr Eye Opener mare Fantastic Six. She picked up $24,158 for the effort.

Randy Smith saddled third-place finisher Cartel Justice for owner/breeder Gerald Keesling. The Florida-bred son of Streakin Six Cartel is out of Royal Quick Kory by Royal Quick Dash. He earned $12,146.

Tuxedeau, Roostersito, Ladys Freighttrain B, Prudish Cartel, Inundated and Fast Prize Shonda completed the field.

The 15th season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing continues through Friday, Oct. 27. Racing is conducted Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 2:05 p.m. with Saturday racing beginning at 6:05 p.m. Additional racing days will be held Thursday, Oct. 19 and Thursday, Oct. 26 beginning at 2:05 p.m.

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About Indiana Grand Racing & Casino: Indiana Grand Racing & Casino holds multiple awards from industry publications for customer service, entertainment, gaming and dining. Located in Shelbyville, Ind., Indiana Grand features 2,200 of the latest slots and electronic table games in addition to a one-mile dirt race course and a seven-eighths mile turf course offering live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing each year. Simulcast wagering is also offered year-round at Winner’s Circle Brewpub & OTB located on the casino floor as well as an off-track betting facility located in Clarksville, Ind. For more information, please visit  www.IndianaGrand.com.