Sweeeet!

Greetings Race Fans,

The odds-makers at the Indiana Grand Racecourse and Casino had more than egg on their collective faces, Cocoa Bandita smeared them with dark chocolate for the second consecutive time. On July 15, CB upset her rivals as the longest shot (25/1) in the field, the race yesterday (Sept 14) was a remarkable replay at (14/1) odds.

Cocoa being tacked up by trainer Dawn Martin at Indiana Grand.

With Rodney Prescott sitting pretty on Cocoa (#4) in the starting gate, the pair broke quickly and confidently to lead the nine horse parade. The favorite, Rilla (#8) was ushered up front to challenge Cocoa while the highly regarded CJ’s Flair (#7) took flight as well. Those three were maneuvered like fine chess pieces in a battle of wits. Rodney took a calculated risk and moved Cocoa to the front after the first quarter. Racing in the two paths, Rodney and CB were a short length ahead after a half mile and remained there until the final bend. Now under outside pressure from CJ’s Flair and the late running Net Free (#3), Cocoa played “catch me if you can.”

In a heart pounding battle to the wire only the strong survived. Rilla fell back to 5th while CJ’s Flair and Net Free battled gamely but could make no headway into the deficit. Trainer, Dawn Martin, Maureen and I cheered and hugged as Cocoa cleared the tape 1 1/4 lengths ahead of CJ’s Flair and two better than Net Free.

Cocoa pranced in the winner’s circle, head held high, like a red carpet actress on Oscar’s night. Texts streamed in from elated friends who cashed in on the $30.80 (win), $11.80 (place) and $5.00 (show) payout at simulcast locations around the Midwest.

Connections are so proud of our white blazed beauty who continues to improve as the stakes get tougher.

“Ahhhh Chocolate…a delicious cure for any kind of day!”

Thanks Cocoa…Sweeeet!