SHELBYVILLE, IN—JULY 24, 2021—Beach Blast and Sammy Mendez have been nothing less than spectacular all season long. The duo earned their second Derby win this season, scoring the latest in the 19th running of the $137,700 Blue River Derby at Indiana Grand.

Starting from post eight, Beach Blast was out of the gate in a blink of an eye, putting a neck in front of the competition early on. Midway through the 400-yard dash, the sophomore hit another gear and pulled away from the field, winning by two and one-half lengths at the wire in :19.622, the second fastest time in Blue River Derby history. Stone Lake and L.D. Martinez finished second over WH Imastreakinbeach and Jose Ruiz.

Beach Blast earned his third consecutive trip to the winner’s circle. He is owned by Keith Bode and Brock Hutchinson and trained by Indiana Grand’s all-time leading Quarter Horse conditioner Randy Smith.

“We enjoyed watching him today that’s for sure,” said Smith. “We were just concerned about making him go straight. We’ve had a little trouble with that, but maybe we got him going now.”

Beach Blast is now six for 10 in his career. The Sheri Miller-bred son of Escondido Beach was purchased from the QHRAI Speed Sale as a yearling for $22,000. He now has more than $280,000 in career earnings. Bred by Sheri Miller, Beach Blast is from the Feature Mr Jess mare Jess Alive Bully.

Escondido Beach also sired second and third Blue River Derby finisher's Stone Lake and Wh Imastreakinbeach.

Another Sheri Miller-bred, runner-up Stone Lake races for owner Pattie Marshall and is trained by Anthony Cunningham. Luz Martinez rode the chestnut gelding out of Silly Chix by Shazoom. He picked up $27,540 to increase his bankroll to $179,575. Stone Lake won the Gordon Mobley Futurity at Indiana Grand as a 2-year-old.

Third-place finisher Wh Imastreakinbeach was half-a-length back to earn $13,770. Erin Thompson trains the sorrel filly from the Jumpn Chic mare Wh Streakin Pie for owner Thomas Wylie. What Horse Ranch, LLC bred the multiple stakes-placed earner of $82,634. Wh Imastreakinbeach was second in the Harley Green Derby two race back on June 5th.

Completing the Blue River Derby field were Rock Candy, Heza Fast Kisser, Beach Diva, Jess Bringin It On, Beach Runaway, Eagle Force 1 and Nocatchinga Corona.

Live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing is in progress through Monday, Nov. 8. The 120-day racing season offers action Monday through Thursday with a first post of 2:25 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Racing begins at 3:25 p.m. on Thursdays. Indiana Champions Day is set for Saturday, Oct. 30 featuring four Thoroughbred and five Quarter Horse Stakes with purses exceeding $1 million. First post for Indiana Champions Day is 12 p.m. (EDT).

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About Indiana Grand Racing & Casino
Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, which is owned and operated by a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: CZR), holds multiple awards for customer service, entertainment, gaming, dining, and diversity. Located in Shelbyville, Ind., Indiana Grand features more than 2,100 of the latest slots and table games in addition to a one-mile dirt racecourse and a seven-eighths mile turf course providing live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing each year. Simulcast and sports wagering is also offered year-round at Winner's Circle Race Sports Pub located on the casino floor as well as a Winner's Circle Race Sports Pub located in Clarksville, Ind. For more information, please visit www.IndianaGrand.com.

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