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Horseshoe Indianapolis presents its Thursday racing card on September 18, 2025, featuring a mix of claiming races with competitive fields. The track continues its live thoroughbred racing season with purses ranging from $16,000 to $22,000 across the afternoon’s program.
Weather Forecast and Track Conditions
The Indianapolis area is experiencing partly cloudy conditions today with temperatures reaching approximately 84°F. No precipitation is expected, providing ideal racing conditions. The turf course is listed as firm, while dirt track conditions appear favorable for afternoon racing.
Race-by-Race Analysis
Race 2 – Claiming ($22,000) – 1 Mile 70 Yards
This six-horse claiming field presents an intriguing distance test at 1 mile 70 yards on the main track.
Key Contenders:
Hazel My Candy enters off a commanding victory at this distance in July, winning by 3 1/4 lengths over Channah Del Mar. The mare showed tactical speed and the ability to sustain her bid through the stretch, demonstrating she handles the distance well.
Shesmyhuckleberry drops back in distance after struggling in a shorter sprint, where she faded to finish last by 7 lengths. The return to routing may suit her running style better.
Secondary Choices:
Amazingness showed improvement in her last start despite finishing sixth, gaining ground late in the race. This suggests she may be finding her best form.
Longshot Considerations:
Everlasting Spirit has been competitive at this level previously and could offer value if able to recapture earlier form. Her fifth-place finish in August showed she can be involved at this class level.
Pace Analysis:
The small field suggests a potentially tactical pace, which could favor horses with tactical speed who can position themselves favorably without expending excessive energy early.
Race 3 Detailed Analysis – Allowance ($40,000) – 1 Mile 110 Yards
Race Overview
The third race at Horseshoe Indianapolis features an allowance contest at 1 mile 110 yards on the main track, attracting eight runners competing for a total purse of $40,000. This distance test represents a classic middle-distance challenge that will favor horses with tactical speed and stamina.
Field Analysis and Probable Odds
The morning line establishes Gas Alley as the 8/5 favorite, followed by Mitch at 5/2, Silent Sonata at 4/1, and Lookin For Glory at 6/1. The longshots include Indocumentado at 10/1, Nine Questions at 15/1, with Revs Medal and Loony both listed at 30/1.
Key Contenders
Gas Alley (8/5)
The morning line favorite enters with strong credentials from trainer M E Lauer and will be ridden by E A Roman. Gas Alley has established himself as a consistent performer at this level and attracts the confidence of both the handicappers and Racing Dudes, who make him their top selection for the race. His breeding by Brilliant Speed out of Pinfish suggests he possesses the tactical speed necessary for this distance.
Mitch (5/2)
The second choice in the betting carries a rating of 91 and represents solid value as an alternative to the favorite. His breeding by Street Boss indicates he should handle the distance well, and his d2 designation shows he has won at this specific distance before, providing confidence in his ability to execute at 1 mile 110 yards.
Nine Questions (15/1)
Despite being listed at long odds, the form analysis suggests Nine Questions “returned to winning ways over a mile at this track last time and he looks the one to beat.” This creates an interesting contradiction with the betting odds, as his recent course and distance success suggests he may be significantly undervalued in the market. His rating of 98 is actually the highest in the field, making him a compelling longshot consideration.
Secondary Choices
Silent Sonata (4/1)
Mentioned specifically in the form scan as one to note, Silent Sonata carries a rating of 97 and shows the d4 designation, indicating distance winning ability. His breeding by Girolamo out of Silent Rap suggests stamina for the extended distance.
Lookin For Glory (6/1)
Also highlighted in the form analysis, Lookin For Glory holds both course and distance winning credentials (cd1 designation) with a rating of 84. His breeding by Lookin At Lucky out of Savannah’s Glory suggests he possesses both speed and stamina for this test.
Longshot Considerations
Indocumentado (10/1)
At double-digit odds, Indocumentado presents value potential if able to reproduce his best form. His rating of 83 keeps him competitive with this field.
Pace Analysis
The 1 mile 110 yards distance typically produces a moderate pace setup, allowing tactical speed horses to position favorably while maintaining enough energy for a sustained drive. With eight runners, there should be sufficient pace pressure to set up the race for horses with closing kicks or those able to secure favorable trips just off the pace.
Gas Alley’s breeding suggests early tactical speed, while Nine Questions’ recent course success indicates he may be able to secure a good stalking position. The longer distance should favor horses with proven stamina over pure sprinters.
Key Angles to Consider
The most compelling angle in this race is the significant disconnect between Nine Questions’ recent form (returning to winning ways at this track and distance) and his 15/1 morning line odds. His rating of 98 being the highest in the field further supports potential value.
The course and distance winners (Lookin For Glory with cd1 designation and Mitch with d2) deserve serious consideration as they have proven ability at today’s specific conditions.
Wagering Strategy
Win Consideration: Nine Questions presents exceptional value at 15/1 given the form analysis and highest rating in the field.
Place/Show Safety: Gas Alley and Mitch provide safer options for place and show wagering.
Exacta Plays: Consider keying Nine Questions over the shorter-priced horses, or using Gas Alley and Mitch in multiple combinations.
Final Selection
Top Pick: Nine Questions (15/1) – The combination of recent course and distance success, highest field rating at 98, and generous odds creates excellent value.
Secondary Selection: Gas Alley (8/5) – The favorite holds legitimate claims and professional handicapper endorsement.
Longshot Special: Indocumentado (10/1) – Offers additional value in exotic wagers if able to reproduce peak form.
The race sets up as an intriguing betting opportunity where the form analysis suggests significantly more value in Nine Questions than the odds indicate, making him the standout play in a competitive allowance field.
Race 5 Detailed Analysis – Maiden Special Weight – 5 Furlongs (Turf)
Race Overview
Race 5 presents a competitive maiden special weight contest on the turf course at 5 furlongs, featuring a quality field of 10 runners competing for a substantial purse of $43,520. The winner will earn $27,418, making this an attractive spot for connections seeking their horse’s breakthrough victory.
Field Analysis and Probable Odds
The probable starting prices show Lower Broadway as the 5/2 morning line favorite, followed by Zapping Strike at 7/2, Countthecarats at 5/1, and Dismiss at 8/1. The longshots include Bote at 15/1 and Frye Island at 20/1.
Key Contenders
Zapping Strike (7/2)
The most compelling runner in this field based on recent form and professional analysis. The formscan specifically notes that “ZAPPING STRIKE wasn’t beaten far in a maiden special weight here at the start of this month and could have a big say”. In his last start at this course and distance, he was the 9/4 favorite and finished a close second, beaten only 2 lengths behind Savion after dueling early but unable to sustain his bid.
His breeding by Ghostzapper out of Striking Beauty provides both speed and stamina credentials for turf racing. The fact he’s returning to the exact conditions where he ran his best race suggests he’s ready to break through for his maiden victory.
Silver Screen (12/1)
Identified in the formscan as “suggested as the biggest threat” to Zapping Strike, making him a serious contender despite longer odds. His last start at Evangeline Downs showed significant improvement, finishing second by only 1 1/4 lengths in a 7-furlong maiden on dirt. The step back to 5 furlongs on turf could be ideal, and his breeding by Street Sense out of Film Idol suggests turf ability.
Lower Broadway (5/2)
Despite being the morning line favorite, Lower Broadway faces questions after a disappointing effort at Kentucky Downs, where he pressed the pace through 2 furlongs but weakened to finish 6th of 12, beaten 7 1/2 lengths. His breeding by Win Win Win out of Agasaya provides turf credentials, but the recent form suggests he may be overbet.
Secondary Choices
Countthecarats (5/1)
Also competed in the same race as Zapping Strike, finishing third and beaten 2 1/4 lengths. The form notes indicate he “dueled, couldn’t last,” suggesting he has early speed but needs to learn to rate better. His breeding by Gormley out of Garnet could provide the tactical speed needed for this distance.
Dismiss (8/1)
Another runner from that same competitive race, finishing fourth and beaten 2 1/4 lengths behind Savion. The form shows he “pressed 3p, no late bid,” indicating he was involved early but couldn’t find the necessary late kick. At 8/1, he offers some value if able to improve.
Longshot Considerations
Bote (15/1)
Showed promise at Ellis Park when finishing third in a maiden, though he “vied 3w, 3p upr, weakend.” His breeding by Gift Box suggests speed, and the move to turf could unlock improvement.
Max The Butler (12/1)
A first-time starter by Heart To Heart out of Luvnotionumbernine. Heart To Heart was an excellent turf performer, and this colt represents trainer Nancy Vanier’s barn, which could provide a live longshot for those seeking value.
Pace Analysis
The 5-furlong turf distance typically produces a fast pace from the start, and this field includes several horses that showed early speed in their previous efforts. Zapping Strike, Countthecarats, and Dismiss all pressed the pace in their last starts, suggesting there will be sufficient early pace pressure.
This setup could favor horses with tactical speed who can secure good position without excessive energy expenditure, or late runners who can benefit from the pace collapse.
Key Angles to Consider
The most significant angle is the group of horses returning from the same competitive maiden race at this track in early September. Zapping Strike, Countthecarats, and Dismiss all competed in that contest behind winner Savion, and each showed different tactical approaches.
The course experience gives these runners a significant advantage over horses making their turf debuts or trying the track for the first time.
Wagering Strategy
Win Consideration: Zapping Strike offers the best combination of recent form, course experience, and professional handicapper endorsement.
Value Play: Silver Screen at 12/1 provides excellent value based on the formscan recommendation and improving form pattern.
Exotic Key: Using Zapping Strike and Silver Screen as the top two choices in exacta and trifecta combinations.
Final Selection
Top Pick: Zapping Strike (7/2) – Recent course form, professional endorsement, and tactical speed make him the standout choice.
Value Selection: Silver Screen (12/1) – Form improvement and handicapper recommendation create excellent value opportunity.
Longshot Special: Max The Butler (12/1) – First-time starter with excellent turf breeding could surprise at a price.
The race sets up as a logical spot for Zapping Strike to finally break his maiden, having established himself as a consistent performer at this level with course experience as a significant advantage over several rivals trying the track for the first time.
Race 6 – Claiming ($16,000) – 6 Furlongs
This twelve-horse sprint field offers numerous betting opportunities with varied form lines.
Key Contenders:
Queen’s Desire enters off an impressive maiden victory, winning by 2 3/4 lengths in her last start. The mare showed both early speed and the ability to sustain her effort, indicating she may be improving.
Gospel Music has shown consistency at this level and finished fourth by only 2 3/4 lengths in her last start, demonstrating competitive ability.
Secondary Choices:
Sunny’s Flame has shown early speed in recent starts but tends to fade in the stretch. In a sprint like this, her early pace could be effective if she can sustain it.
Lotta Latte finished third in her last start, showing the ability to rally late in sprint distances.
Longshot Considerations:
Mi Caprichuda has been competitive at this class level and could offer value in a large field where pace dynamics may create opportunities for closers.
Pace Analysis:
With twelve horses, pace pressure is likely early, which could set up favorable conditions for horses with closing kicks or those able to secure good trips just off the early pace.
Race 7 Detailed Analysis – Allowance Optional Claiming – 1 Mile (Turf)
Race Overview
Race 7 presents a competitive allowance optional claiming contest on the turf course at 1 mile, featuring 10 runners competing for a generous purse of $49,680. The winner will earn $31,299, making this an attractive spot for connections seeking a significant payday in the evening feature.
Field Analysis and Professional Selections
Racing Dudes has identified Watch This Birdie as their top selection at 7/2, despite the horse showing longer odds in some early lines. This professional endorsement suggests there may be inside information or betting movement that makes this runner more competitive than initial appearances indicate.
Key Contenders
Watch This Birdie (7/2)
The Racing Dudes selection represents trainer I Correas IV and will be ridden by M Pedroza Jr. Despite a disappointing recent effort at Kentucky Downs, where he finished 7th of 11 and was beaten 7 1/4 lengths, the professional handicapper endorsement suggests this runner may be better suited to the Horseshoe Indianapolis turf course.
The Kentucky Downs form line shows he “3-4 wide, no late run,” indicating he was wide throughout and couldn’t sustain his effort. However, the different turf course conditions at Horseshoe Indianapolis may suit him better, and the trainer-jockey combination has shown competence throughout the meeting.
Good American (10/1)
Shows the most encouraging recent form in the field, finishing a solid 4th and only 2 1/2 lengths behind Buttons And Lace at Hawthorne in September. The form notes indicate he was “4-5p2nd, chase on,” suggesting he pressed the pace early and maintained his effort well through the stretch.
His recent form at Hawthorne over the mile distance on good turf provides confidence that he can handle today’s conditions, and at 10/1 he represents excellent value for a horse with competitive recent form.
Bijou Baby (12/1)
Offers significant course advantage, having finished 4th in a competitive field at this track in August, beaten only 2 1/4 lengths behind Polka Polenta. The form shows he “3p, bid3/16, bmp1/8,” indicating he was positioned well and made a bid before encountering some traffic issues.
The course experience at the exact conditions provides a significant edge over horses trying the track for the first time, and his previous effort suggests he belongs at this level.
Secondary Choices
Grace On Grace (17/2)
Another course specialist, having finished 4th at this track in July, though she was beaten 8 1/4 lengths behind Laura’s Charm. The form shows she “vied rail, checked7/8,” indicating she was involved early but encountered trouble in the stretch run.
The course experience is valuable, but the margin of defeat and trouble encountered raises questions about her competitiveness in this field.
Peak Popularity (15/2)
Has been absent since February, when he finished 4th at Turfway Park and was beaten 5 lengths. The form indicates he had a “slow stride, improved,” suggesting he found his best stride during the race but may need more time to reach peak fitness after the extended layoff.
Longshot Considerations
Breezing Along (5/1)
Despite shorter odds, his recent form is concerning. He was “eager early, weakened” at Hawthorne in June, finishing 6th of 7 and beaten 7 3/4 lengths. The early eagerness followed by weakening suggests potential pace or fitness issues.
Hold Your Breath (5/1)
Also showing concerning form, having been “well placed, faded” at Presque Isle Downs in August. The fact that he faded after being well positioned suggests stamina concerns at this distance.
Pace Analysis
The 1-mile turf distance typically produces a moderate to strong pace, and this field includes several horses that showed early tactical speed in their recent efforts. Watch This Birdie showed early involvement at Kentucky Downs, while Good American pressed the pace at Hawthorne.
The presence of multiple pace-pressing types should create a legitimate pace setup that could favor horses with tactical speed who can secure good position without excessive early energy expenditure, or late runners who can benefit from pace collapse.
Key Angles to Consider
The most significant angle is the course experience factor, with both Bijou Baby and Grace On Grace having raced over this specific turf course. However, Good American’s recent competitive form at a similar level provides the strongest current form angle.
The professional handicapper endorsement of Watch This Birdie despite poor recent form suggests there may be training or fitness improvements not reflected in the past performances.
Wagering Strategy
Win Consideration: Good American at 10/1 offers the best combination of recent competitive form and attractive odds.
Value Play: Bijou Baby at 12/1 provides course experience and demonstrated ability at this level.
Professional Follow: Watch This Birdie at 7/2 deserves consideration based on Racing Dudes endorsement, despite questionable recent form.
Final Selection
Top Pick: Good American (10/1) – Recent competitive form at the distance and generous odds create excellent value.
Secondary Selection: Bijou Baby (12/1) – Course experience and previous competitive effort at this track provide solid foundation.
Longshot Special: Watch This Birdie (7/2) – Professional handicapper endorsement suggests hidden form or improvement not apparent in past performances.
The race presents an opportunity to oppose some of the shorter-priced horses with concerning recent form patterns, while focusing on Good American’s solid recent effort and Bijou Baby’s proven course competitiveness. Good American’s recent form at Hawthorne provides the strongest foundation for confidence in this competitive allowance field.
Race 8 Detailed Analysis – Maiden Special Weight – 5 Furlongs 110 Yards (Dirt)
Race Overview
Race 8 presents a competitive maiden special weight contest for 2-year-old fillies on the dirt track at 5 furlongs 110 yards, featuring 11 runners competing for a substantial purse of $36,000. The winner will earn $22,680, making this an attractive spot for connections seeking their filly’s breakthrough victory.
Field Analysis and Professional Selections
The formscan identifies Dreaming Bonita as the standout choice, noting she “hit the woodwork over track and trip on her latest outing and she looks well placed to get off the mark.” Racing Dudes has also selected Dreaming Bonita as their top pick at 7/2, providing strong professional endorsement for the favorite.
Probable Odds and Market Analysis
The morning line establishes Dreaming Bonita as the 7/2 favorite, followed by Grand Harbor at 4/1, Cloudless Day at 9/2, and Obvious Agenda at 5/1. The newcomers include several first-time starters at longer odds, with Swiss Meringue and Golden Creek both listed at 15/1, and the longshots Panthers Princess and Moon Lite Girl at 30/1.
Key Contenders
Dreaming Bonita (7/2)
The clear standout based on recent form and professional analysis. In her last start at this exact course and distance in August, she finished a strong second, beaten only a half-length behind Kaboom after dueling for the lead and being caught late. The form shows she “dueled, clear, caught,” indicating she showed both early speed and the ability to sustain her effort through most of the race.
Trained by Joseph Davis and ridden by Fernando Cruz La De, Dreaming Bonita adds blinkers for the first time today, which could provide the extra focus needed to secure her maiden victory. Her breeding by Brody’s Cause out of Casa Lima provides both speed and stamina credentials for this distance.
Grand Harbor (4/1)
Highlighted in the formscan as one of the most “feared” newcomers, this first-time starter represents trainer Aaron West and will be ridden by Samuel Bermudez. Her breeding by Instagrand out of Marina’s Legacy suggests early speed ability, and the professional respect shown in the formscan indicates she has shown promising works or trials.
Secondary Choices
Obvious Agenda (5/1)
Also competed in the same maiden race as Dreaming Bonita in August, finishing fourth and beaten 6 1/2 lengths behind Kaboom. The form shows she rallied from three-wide but faded on the rail late, suggesting she has tactical speed but may need to learn to sustain her effort better. Her rating of 55 is actually the highest in the field, making her a logical contender.
Cloudless Day (9/2)
Another runner from that competitive August maiden, finishing fifth and beaten 9 lengths. The form indicates she was “awkward, bid 2p at 5/16, faltered,” showing she made a move but couldn’t sustain it. Her rating of 48 and the improvement from her awkward debut effort suggest she could take a step forward.
Longshot Considerations
Instilled Zip (10/1)
The other newcomer specifically mentioned as “feared most” in the formscan alongside Grand Harbor. This first-time starter by Instilled Regard out of Zipso Facto represents trainer Anthony Granitz and provides legitimate value at double-digit odds if she brings her training form to the races.
Higher Wish (8/1)
A first-time starter by Mshawish out of Higher Logic, representing trainer Aaron West (same connections as Grand Harbor). The fact that this barn has two runners in the race suggests confidence, and at 8/1 she offers some value as an alternative to the shorter-priced choices.
Form Disadvantages
Several fillies from the August maiden race showed poor form that makes them vulnerable today. Panthers Princess finished last by 25 lengths, Moon Lite Girl finished ninth by 19 1/2 lengths, and Golden Creek finished sixth by 12 lengths, all well beaten in their debuts.
Pace Analysis
The 5-furlong 110-yard distance typically produces a fast pace from the start, and this field includes several fillies that showed early speed in their previous efforts. Dreaming Bonita demonstrated she can press the pace and sustain her effort, while the presence of multiple newcomers adds uncertainty to the pace scenario.
The relatively short distance favors horses with natural early speed who can secure good position without excessive energy expenditure early.
Key Angles to Consider
The most significant angle is the group of fillies returning from the same competitive maiden race at this track and distance in August. Dreaming Bonita’s narrow defeat in that contest, combined with the addition of first-time blinkers, creates a compelling improvement angle.
The newcomer angle with both Grand Harbor and Instilled Zip receiving specific mention in the formscan suggests there may be live first-time starters who could upset at generous prices.
Wagering Strategy
Win Consideration: Dreaming Bonita offers the best combination of proven form at the track and distance, professional endorsement, and equipment change that could provide improvement.
Value Play: Grand Harbor at 4/1 provides excellent value as a respected newcomer from a quality barn.
Longshot Special: Instilled Zip at 10/1 offers significant value as a newcomer specifically highlighted in the professional analysis.
Final Selection
Top Pick: Dreaming Bonita (7/2) – Recent course and distance form, narrow defeat last out, and addition of first-time blinkers create compelling case for improvement.
Value Selection: Grand Harbor (4/1) – Professional respect as a newcomer and attractive odds for a filly specifically mentioned as a major threat.
Longshot Special: Instilled Zip (10/1) – The other newcomer “feared most” provides excellent value at double-digit odds.
The race sets up as a logical spot for Dreaming Bonita to finally break her maiden, having established herself as the best performed filly in the field with proven ability at these exact conditions. The addition of blinkers could provide the edge needed to hold on for victory, while the newcomers Grand Harbor and Instilled Zip offer the most significant threats to the favorite’s chances.
Wagering Strategies
Given the competitive nature of claiming races at Horseshoe Indianapolis, exacta and trifecta wagering may provide better value than win betting alone. The twelve-horse field in Race 6 particularly lends itself to exotic wagering strategies.
For daily double opportunities, connecting races with shorter fields may provide better chances for success, particularly linking Race 2’s six-horse field with subsequent races.
Value Plays
In the smaller fields, look for horses showing recent improvement or those dropping in class from higher-level competition. The larger fields present opportunities for longshots to hit the board at generous prices.
