There are Derbys after which there’s the Kentucky Derby. Whereas Saturday’s Indiana Derby at Horseshoe Indianapolis might not have thc clout of the run for the roses, it does supply a profitable purse in addition to an opportunity for a 3-year-old to determine himself as a candidate for Grade 1 checks such because the Draftkings Travers Stakes or the Pennsylvania Derby later within the yr.
1. Woodcourt (12-1 morning-line odds): Ran in stakes in his final three begins and misplaced by a mixed whole of 26 ¾ lengths. Will want a much-improved effort to be a important issue right here.
JOCKEY: Emmanuel Esquivel; TRAINER: Cipriano Contreras
2. Stronghold (7-2): The Santa Anita Derby winner makes his first begin since ending seventh within the Kentucky Derby. He’s labored sharply for his return to the races and appears just like the one to beat.
JOCKEY: Antonio Fresu; TRAINER: Phil D’Amato
3. Actual Males Violin (10-1): Was third within the Texas Derby and second within the Illinois Derby. He has the Kentucky Derby-winning tandem of Brian Hernandez Jr. and Ken McPeek going for him and has the appears to be like of a 3-year-old who belongs within the superfecta right here.
JOCKEY: Brian Hernandez Jr.; TRAINER: Ken McPeek
4. Kitty Hawk (20-1): Two fifth-place finishes in his two begins in opposition to winners doesn’t encourage confidence. He’s additionally entered as a main-track-only starter in a turf allowance race at Ellis Park Saturday.
JOCKEY: Fernando De La Cruz; TRAINER: Victoria Oliver
5. Knowledgeable Patriot (6-1): Had a tricky journey when ninth within the Texas Derby and may bounce again with a greater strive right here. Was fifth within the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby.
JOCKEY: Ricardo Santana Jr.; TRAINER: Steve Asmussen
6. Sir Greylind (8-1): He’s been formidable in starter-allowance firm however steps up in school right here. Gained his first strive round two turns decisively, but it is a more durable spot.
JOCKEY: Corey Lanerie; TRAINER: Grant Forster
E J Gained the Cup profitable Turf Paradise Derby. (Coady Images)
7. E J Gained the Cup (5-1): Gained the Texas Derby with a pleasant closing kick as he took a pleasant step ahead from ending third within the Santa Anita Derby. Ought to be a serious participant.
JOCKEY: Mike Smith; TRAINER: Doug O’Neill
8. Dragoon Guard (8-5): Will get examined for sophistication right here off strong allowance and maiden wins in Kentucky. Has sufficient pace to offset the skin publish and may be capable of make his presence felt on this subject.
JOCKEY: Florent Geroux; TRAINER: Brad Cox
THE PICK: Stronghold
LIVE LONGSHOT: Actual Males Violin
SUPERFECTA: 2-7-8-3
