Borel Captures First Win at Indiana Grand

After eight previous starts scattered over several years, Calvin Borel captured his first career win at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino Wednesday, Aug. 6 in the third race on the day. Borel, who rarely rides at the track, guided Dark Rain to a win by a neck during the seven and one-half furlong turf event for two year old maidens.

Dark Rain was the heavily-favored choice in the seven horse field and was the one to catch from the start. After a slight hop at the start, Borel got the filly out quickly from the gate to secure the top spot, a position she maintained throughout the race. Heading into the stretch, the two-year-old daughter of Malibu Moon seemed to become distracted and moved to the center of the track, slowing her gait. Losing her momentum gave La Rambla and Francisco Torres the opportunity to move up the inside and get the lead.

Borel never gave up hope on Dark Rain. He was able to get her back in gear and back in contention, making a surge toward the lead. The top two ran side by side in the final strides. The Ian Wilkes-trained filly got the nod by a head bob on the outside of La Rambla with Traiteuse and Ricardo Santana Jr. finishing close for third.

“This filly (Dark Rain) is really green,” said Borel. “We have been working with her for the last four months. First, she had troubles in the paddock and then in the post parade, but she’s something special and we kept working with her. Her mind doesn’t focus, but she’s improving and she is a very, very special filly.”

Owned by Dennis Farkas, Dark Rain was making her third career start at her third different track. She was a second place finisher last time out at Ellis Park for Borel, who has ridden her in each of her tries. The royally bred filly was a $200,000 yearling purchase at the Keeneland Sales last fall. She now has more than $26,000 in earnings for her connections.

Dark Rain returned $3.80, $2.20, $2.10 across the board. The time for the race was 1:31.43.