Hoosier Pick of the Week for Wednesday Finds Island of Rock

The 5^th Race at Hoosier Park on Wednesday is a non-winner of two/optional claiming event which attracted a field of nine. The one-mile pace features a few in the cast in need of a race which should set up things for my top selection. #9 ISLAND OF ROCK (5-2) draws widest but looks best to me. The Jamie Macoumber trainee caught a sloppy surface here when shipping up from Pompano Park and figures to improve in her second run on the course. Four-year-old bay ran a lifetime-best at Hoosier Park last season and faces easier in this modest spot. Indiana-bred will be tough to deny back on the seven-eighths oval. #1 SHE’S IN COMMAND (9-2) looms the main danger to the top pick in my view. Chestnut mare draws the rail and ran evenly in a qualifier to prepare for her return, with improvement likely on this occasion. The five-year-old had been facing better earlier this season and she should factor if ready. Sam Widger being in the bike is a plus, though I expect the miss to need an outing or two to be at her peak. #2 BRIANNA’S DESIRE (4-1) gets Lasix for the initial time and is an obvious contender with a forward move today. Ohio-bred was a closing fifth in the slop last out and could have less to do late in this spot behind an expected moderate early pace. She is hard to back for the top prize, however, with her 1-for-29 lifetime mark. #9 Island of Rock has the fitness edge on her main rivals, as well as the top connections in the field. The lass will likely track in third or fourth early on prior taking command late.