Trademark made his second start at Horseshoe Indianapolis a winning effort, scoring in the 23rd running of the $100,000 Michael G. Schaefer Memorial. The race is named after the first chairperson of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission and members of his family were trackside to present the trophy.
Trademark and Fernando De La Cruz were reunited after competing last year in the Robert Hilton Memorial at Charles Town. This time, the duo got closer to the top ones from the start in the one mile 70-yard event. Trademark sat just off the pace and followed Five Star General and Marcelino Pedroza Jr. on the inside with Pats Property and Joshua Morales stalking in second.
Trademark moved up a few notches around the final turn and by the time the field of nine had moved into the stretch, he had the short advantage. Trademark put a neck ahead of Five Star General, but he fought right back, retaking the lead. Trademark fought for the top spot again and got it late in the lane, picking up the win by 1 1/2 lengths over Five Star General. Masqueparade and Adam Beschizza used a late rally to finish third.
“We talked about it in the paddock with the owner (who said) just put him in position and track them from there,” said De La Cruz. “Whatever horses want to take to the lead. Into the stretch, he just took off to the wire. He was a little bit green (inexperienced), because he saw a shadow, but he finished up well.”
Trademark paid $11.00 for the win. The Upstart 4-year-old gelding was making his second start over the track at Horseshoe Indianapolis, competing in the Indiana Derby last year, finishing third. Trademark is owned by BBN Racing LLC and trained by Victoria Oliver.
“Last year we brought him here for the Indiana Derby and he led most of the way and just got tired,” said co-owner Brian Klatsky. “We wanted to give him another chance here, and he showed up today. The older handicap divisions are tough, so we have been shopping around for a race. Coming back here turned out to be the right spot.”
To date, Trademark has five career wins and pushed his career bankroll over the half-million dollar mark with his win Saturday. The victory in the Michael G. Schaefer was his first of 2023 in five starts.
Oliver was not at the event. When reached by phone, she said, “To be honest, I am traveling in a rental, and I haven't been able to see [the race] yet. But it sounds like he ran really well. My owner told me he sat about third and pulled away. He kind of likes that running style. He likes to sit outside horses and stalk the pace.”
Oliver continued, “He's one of those horses that just always trains forwardly and is always ready to run when you put him in. He isn't too difficult when he's ready because he gets really sharp. He came back, quick enough after running at Monmouth. I thought he ran a really good race at Monmouth. I think with a better trip he could have won that race. Today was his day.”
Bred in Kentucky by Brereton C. Jone, Trademark is out of the Creative Cause mare Creative Trick. He was a $42,000 Keeneland September Yearling Sale purchase in 202o when offered by Eaton Sales.
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