SHELBYVILLE, IN—MAY 19, 2018—Two $5,000 trials for the Harley Greene Derby capped off a 10-race card at Indiana Grand Saturday.

Kitty Sixup emerged with the fastest time to head into the final. The fourth running of the $75,000 Harley Greene Derby is slated for Saturday, June 2, which is the first of six all-Quarter Horse racing nights in 2018 at Indiana Grand.

In the first division, Beach Treat and Aron Hunt were the first to emerge from the starting gate in the eight-horse field. They looked strong in the early stages of the race and proved they would be the duo to catch. They held onto the lead until late in the 350 yard dash before Kitty Sixup (Fernando Fonseca-Soto) and DNA Dalesblackbueaty (Rodney Prescott) began a rally from behind on the far outside.

In the final 50 yards, the two outside horses traveled in unison and passed by Beach Treat to finish one-two at the wire in a time of :17.825 seconds. Kitty Sixup reached the wire first over DNA Dalesblackbueaty. Beach Treat held gamely for third.

Owned by Deane Lehman and Erin Thompson, Kitty Sixup earned his first win of 2018 and his second victory lifetime. The grey son of Sixes Liaison is trained by Erin Thompson.

In the second trial, a similar strategy played out as Beach Mercedes and Jose Beltran broke sharply from post three and took the early lead. The Escondido Beach filly maintained her prominence on the front end and scored the win by three-quarters of a length. MPT Visions of Mars and Gerardo Garrido made a mild bid late on the inside to close the gap for second over Sixes Loaded to Fly, who won the tight photo over Eyem Sixes and Fonseca-Soto for third. The time of the trial was :17.981 seconds.

Beach Mercedes is the latest star to emerge from Sheri Miller’s Miller Ranch of Shipshewana, Ind. where 2017 Indiana Stallion of the Year Escondido Beach stands. Randy Smith, three-time leading Quarter Horse trainer at Indiana Grand, trains the talented filly who is now three for eight lifetime.

For the top 10 qualifiers to the Harley Greene Derby, including times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys CLICK HERE.

Of the 10 finalists, Randy Smith trains four, including DNA Dalesblackbueaty, Beach Mercedes, BV Running Bear and DNA Bells Bay. Thompson will saddle two in the final, including Kitty Sixup and Eyem Sixes.

The Harley Greene Derby will join several trials on the first all-Quarter Horse night Saturday, June 2. Trails for the Jaguar Rocket and Gordon Mobley Futurity will also be included on the program. Other all-Quarter Horse racing nights for 2018 include July 7, Aug. 11, Sept. 15, Oct. 6 and Oct. 27, all Saturday evening events beginning at 6:05 p.m.

The 16th season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing continues through Wednesday, Nov. 7. Racing is conducted Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 2:05 p.m. EST with Saturday racing beginning at 6:05 p.m. EST. Two special Thursday racing dates will be held July 19 and Sept. 6 with a 2:05 p.m. EST post time.

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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.