Under the lights in prime time, the Indiana Derby offers a $500,000 purse and Grade III status.
The 2018 Indiana Derby
Trigger Warning
Enters off a 3rd place finish at 86/1 in the Ohio Derby. Recent form solid, but on paper seems a step slower than many of the top contenders.
Blame the Rider
Moves turf to dirt and finished second in most recent start to the talented River Boyne. Son of Jimmy Creed out of a Press Card mare may have distance and class limitations.
Givemeaminit
Recent form has been very shaky. One win in eleven-lifetime starts and running style is to come from off the pace, should get a steady pace to run late.
Dark Vader
Faced a small field in the strangely run Easy Goer, setting solid fractions and losing by a neck finishing 3rd in a three-horse blanket finish. Should appreciate the 8.5 furlongs and draws inside the other speed. Recent works indicate fitness and a logical contender in this spot.
The Money Dance
The local horse takes on several shippers, and the Indiana-Bred enters off a 4th place finish in a restricted state race. The Money Dance has won twice in open company. Wins at Oaklawn and Belmont are reliable and has the right running style to pick up some purse money late.
Axlerod
Finished second in the Affirmed Stakes and morning line of 5/1 seems a little light in this spot. Faces more pace pressure a bigger field and steps up in class.
Title Ready
Has flashed talent and has some exciting trips in recent races. He was forced inside in Oaklawn allowance race and then raced evenly in the slop at Pimlico. In most recent run was behind the speed and outside of a couple of contenders while looking for racing room. Finished with interest and 12/1 morning line would be an excellent price.
King Zachary
The morning line favorite impressed in the Matt Winn and earned a Beyer speed figure of 98; this was a 19 point jump from his previous start and the highest of his career. The big favorite Ax Man didn’t show up in that race, and King Zachary took advantage of a wide-open race and earned a nice rally. Has an excellent pedigree and was stopped in the Wood Memorial. Capable of winning, but other contenders look strong and have higher odds.
Funny Duck
Shocked the world on Derby Day with a 40/1 win and then finished up the track behind King Zachary by 13 lengths in the Matt Winn Stakes. Outside draw lack of gate speed should force him into an extensive trip and not sure he has the closing kick to close late. Will have to improve by ten lengths to be competitive.
The Strategy
King Zachary looks fast on paper. Title Ready should inherit a good trip and jockey switch could pay dividends late. Title Ready at 8/1 or higher is the player.