SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (July 27, 2019) – Merciless Fire and Juan Galvan came into the 11th running of the $92,160 Heartland Futurity off a win in the trials and scored the victory in the final Saturday, July 27. The duo covered the 300-yard dash in a time of :15.571 seconds.
Starting from post two in the field reduced down to seven starters, Merciless Fire got a perfect break between two tough contenders from the Randy Smith Stable. The two-year-old sorrel son of Hes Relentless kept at task throughout the race, first going by his opponents on the outside and then chasing down the last one on the inside. The Black Ace and Shanley Jackson had a short lead about 50 yards from the wire, but momentum carried Merciless Fire to the lead for the win by one-half length. The Black Ace was second just a head over stablemate WRs Apolliticalivory and Berkley Packer for third. Both The Black Ace and WRs Apolliticalivory are trained by Randy Smith.
“He (Merciless Fire) is such a nice horse,” said Galvan after his win. “He is a beautiful boy.”
Merciless Fire is now two for four in his brief career. The Texas bred gelding, who was purchased for $12,000 out of the Heritage Place September Yearling Sale last fall, now has more than $55,000 in career earnings for owner Louis Ramirez and trainer Claudio Barraza. The second-year trainer is based out of the Chicagoland area and having a superb meet in Indiana this year. The Heartland Futurity is the second stakes win this season for the young trainer. He also connected for a win with Tres My Heart in the $49,040 Indiana Grand Classic in June.
“It is a blessing,” said Barraza from the winner’s circle. “I always wanted to win this race. It was a surprise to me. I was not expecting him to win. He took them on in the trial and came back and delivered today.”
Merciless Fire, who was the fastest qualifier from the three trials, was the second choice on the board behind WRs Apolliticalivory, another Heartland Futurity trial winner. He paid $6.60, $3.60, $2.40 across the board for his first stakes victory.
Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing continues through Wednesday, Nov. 6. Racing is conducted Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 2:15 p.m. and Saturday at 6:15 p.m. More information about the season is available at www.indianagrand.com.
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 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 a Winner’s Circle OTB located in Clarksville, Ind. For more information, please visit www.IndianaGrand.com. Must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing at racetracks and 21 or older to gamble at casinos. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (1-800-994-8448) ©2019 Caesars License Company, LLC.
Photos by Coady Photography
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