ANDERSON — Noble Commander and 75-year-old Gene Oakerson won their fifth race of the season Friday, establishing themselves as one of the winningest tandems at Hoosier Park this season.
The 4-year-old son of Saving Face increased his career earnings to more than $22,000 and lowered his career mark to 1 minute, 55.2 seconds.
Strike Till Dawn and Ross Leonard beat Noble Commander and Oakerson out of the gate, posting the first fraction of :28.0. Noble Commander was sitting on the outside and pursued the top spot, securing the lead before the halfway marker in :57.0.
Around the final turn, Noble Commander was in command, leading the field into the stretch and by the three-quarter mile marker in a time of 1:26.2.
A lead of three lengths on the field in the stretch was all it took for Noble Commander to look solid.
However, Prime Time Caviar and Andy Shetler were closing in quickly on the duo. Noble Commander dug in deep and returned to the lead with grit to continue his winning ways and post another victory on his card, winning by two lengths over Prime Time Caviar at the finish line. Rose Run Kurt and Brad Hanners finished third.
Noble Commander is bred, owned, trained and driven by Oakerson, who is stabled at the Jay County Fairgrounds in Portland.
Oakerson’s fan club increases with each win as friends and family pour into the winner’s circle at Hoosier Park after his accomplishments.
“My family was really happy tonight in the winner’s circle,” said Oakerson, who was ladled with lipstick remnants on both cheeks. “Everyone was very happy. This race was good for him (Noble Commander) tonight. He fought back, and he was challenged and he gave more. He went a full second faster, too.”
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Noble Commander shines at Hoosier Park
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