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Pioneer Spirit repeats in $100,000 Schaefer Memorial

July 14, 2019

Malibu Moon’s Pioneer Spirit tallied close victory in Saturday nights $100,000 Michael Schaefer Memorial at Indiana Grand, winning the race by the identical margin he did in 2018.

The 6-year-old horse has been a model of consistency throughout his career for owner Steve Landers, going 9-4-7 in 25 starts and earning $587,450.

On the lead from the start, Pioneer Spirit controlled the pace through six furlongs, then got headed by Silver Dust in mid-stretch, but battled back to claim the victory in 1:39.88, about a half-second off the track record for the 1 mile and 70 yards.

Bred in Kentucky by Mikhail Yanakov, Pioneer Spirit is a half-brother to Gardenia S. (G3) winner Devious Intent.

The sire of 80 individual winners already this year, Malibu Moon also was represented by Arlington H. (G3) third-place finisher Captivating Moon and Indiana Distaff runner-up Hanalei Moon on Saturday.