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Horseshoe Indianapolis presents an eleven-race card on Thursday afternoon, featuring a diverse mix of maiden special weights, allowance conditions, claiming races, and Quarter Horse trials. The card begins at 2:10 PM CDT with post times running through 7:12 PM for the final Quarter Horse trial. Today’s program showcases competitive fields across multiple divisions, with several races drawing full gates and offering excellent wagering opportunities.
Weather Forecast and Track Conditions
Thursday’s weather outlook calls for overcast skies with temperatures reaching 85°F and a comfortable low of 54°F. Northeast winds at 3-5 mph will provide favorable racing conditions with no precipitation expected and 0% chance of rain. The main track should remain fast while the turf course, set at 12 feet from the rail for races 2, 4, 6, and 7, is expected to provide good to firm footing. Current track conditions show fair weather with east winds at 8 mph, temperature at 83°F, and humidity at 33%.
Race-by-Race Analysis
Race 1 – Maiden Special Weight (2:10 PM)
1 Mile Dirt – $43,520 Purse – 2-Year-Old Males
Key Contenders: Black Hornet (#8) enters as the Racing Dudes top selection at 9-2 odds, trained by two-time Eclipse Award winner Brad Cox and ridden by Marcelino Pedroza Jr.. The colt has shown promise in recent workouts and benefits from Cox’s exceptional record with juvenile maidens. Meelo Time (#4) represents another Cox trainee with Fernando De La Cruz aboard, creating a powerful stable entry.
Secondary Choices: Special Ops (#1) draws the rail with Gabriel Saez up for Rob Atras, while Maximus C (#5) gets Alberto Burgos for Agustin Gonzalez Jr. Both bring competitive speed figures from recent appearances.
Longshots: Stolen Power (#7) at 120 lbs with Alex Achard offers value potential, while Durable (#6) provides Sophie Doyle with a live mount for Marcelino Torres.
Pace Analysis: The race sets up with moderate early pace, as most entrants lack extensive early speed credentials. This should benefit closers and those with tactical speed.
Wagering Angles: Focus on the Cox duo of Black Hornet and Meelo Time in exactas and trifectas, with Special Ops as a potential upset winner.
Selections: 8-Black Hornet to win, 4-Meelo Time to place, 1-Special Ops to show.
Race 2 – Allowance (2:48 PM)
5 Furlongs Turf – $46,240 Purse – 2-Year-Old Fillies
Key Contenders: A Stern Lady (#6) stands out as Ultimate Capper’s selection, trained by Michael Ann Ewing with Declan Cannon riding. Racing Dudes favors Lilies N Paradise (#4) at 8-5 odds for Michael J. Maker and Fernando De La Cruz.
Secondary Choices: In the Aggregate (#1) brings class from Caio Caramori’s barn, while Ashkenazi (#2) represents Eddie Kenneally with Ben Curtis aboard.
Longshots: Piedra Preciosa (#3) gets a significant weight break with Jose Ramos Gutierrez claiming to 111 lbs, potentially offering value at longer odds.
Pace Analysis: Sprint races typically feature contested early pace, making tactical position crucial on the compact turf course.
Wagering Angles: Key the top choices in horizontal wagers while using longshots underneath in trifectas and superfectas.
Selections: 4-Lilies N Paradise to win, 6-A Stern Lady to place, 1-In the Aggregate to show.
Race 3 – Allowance (3:18 PM)
This allowance sprint brings together a competitive field of seven fillies and mares seeking their third career victory. The race conditions favor fillies and mares three years old and upward that have never won three races, with three-year-olds carrying 122 lbs and older horses assigned 125 lbs, though non-winners since September 2 receive a 3-lb allowance.
Key Contenders Analysis
Viral Plane Lady (#4) – 7-2 Odds
Jockey: Walter A. Rodriguez Trainer: Rogelio Labra Weight: 119 lbs
Viral Plane Lady emerges as the consensus choice following her impressive runner-up effort at Churchill Downs in September. The three-year-old filly finished a strong second, beaten just 1¾ lengths by Rose Alabama in a competitive 6-furlong maiden special weight at Churchill. Her recent form line of 341742 shows consistent efforts, and the Sky Sports form analysis notes she was “2p,collard1/8,held plc” in that Churchill effort, indicating she fought gamely when challenged. The step up in class appears manageable given her recent form progression, and Rodriguez provides experienced riding that should help her tactical positioning in this sprint distance.
Ruby’s Ghost (#2) – 30-1 Morning Line
Jockey: Keith J. Asmussen Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen Weight: 119 lbs
This three-year-old daughter of Ghostzapper represents the powerful Asmussen stable and carries significant class credentials. Bred and owned by Charles E. Fipke, Ruby’s Ghost showed promise in her early career but enters off a disappointing last-place finish at Ellis Park where she was “2p, outrun, last of 7, 17¼l behind Sturgeon Moon” in a 7-furlong race. However, the filly’s pedigree suggests improvement is possible – Ghostzapper was a Champion Older Horse and Horse of the Year who has established himself as a successful sire. The Asmussen father-son combination of trainer Steven and jockey Keith provides tactical expertise, and this shorter distance could prove more suitable than her recent route attempts.
Pun Intended (#7) – 11-1 Previous Odds
Jockey: Erik Asmussen Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen Weight: 122 lbs
Pun Intended brings the strongest recent form to this contest, having won her last start at Horseshoe Indianapolis in August. The four-year-old mare scored a convincing 1¼-length victory over Mizmalice in a 6-furlong race at this track, with Sky Sports noting she was “Rail,rally1/4,drvg” in that effort. This demonstrates both her affinity for the Horseshoe Indianapolis surface and her ability to close effectively in the stretch. As a dual Asmussen entry with Ruby’s Ghost, she creates interesting wagering dynamics and represents proven form at this venue.
Secondary Contenders
Bits of Candy (#5) – 7-5 Previous Favorite
Jockey: Marcelino Pedroza Jr. Trainer: Robert E. Dobbs Jr. Weight: 119 lbs
The four-year-old mare finished third at Horseshoe Indianapolis in August, beaten just 2 lengths by Barb’s Vortex in a 6-furlong race on good track conditions. Her form line shows consistency, and she was noted as being “Rail,bumped foe str” in that effort, suggesting she encountered traffic trouble that may have cost her a better finish. Pedroza Jr. provides excellent riding skills and should help her navigate this competitive field more effectively.
Fat Chance (#6) – 7-2 Previous Odds
Jockey: Mitchell Murrill Trainer: Tim Eggleston Weight: 116 lbs
Fat Chance finished second to Barb’s Vortex in the same August race as Bits of Candy, losing by 1¾ lengths. The form analysis shows she was “Inside,caught” in that effort, suggesting she may have led or pressed the pace before being overtaken late. The three-pound weight allowance for non-winners since September 2 brings her down to 116 lbs, providing a significant advantage in this competitive field. Murrill’s tactical riding should help maximize this weight concession.
Longshots and Value Plays
High Summer (#1) – 20-1 Previous Odds
Jockey: Jose Ramos Gutierrez Trainer: Genaro Garcia Weight: 112 lbs
High Summer carries the lightest impost at 112 lbs through Gutierrez’s 3-lb claiming allowance, creating potential value in this competitive field. The filly finished sixth at Churchill Downs in September, where she “Stalked 3-4pbtw,yieldd” and was beaten 7¾ lengths. While that effort appears modest, the significant weight advantage and the claiming rider’s motivation could create an upset opportunity in a race where the favorites have question marks.
City Prayers (#3) – 11-5 Previous Odds
Jockey: Alberto Burgos Trainer: John Haran Weight: 116 lbs
City Prayers showed competitive form at Horseshoe Indianapolis in August, finishing fourth of six and beaten 2¾ lengths by Molly’s Potion. The form note “Vied btw,couldn’t last” suggests she showed early speed but faded in the stretch. The three-pound weight allowance brings her down to 116 lbs, and familiarity with the track could prove advantageous.
Pace Analysis
The sprint distance creates several pace scenarios, with Viral Plane Lady likely to show early tactical speed based on her recent running style. Pun Intended demonstrated closing ability in her track victory, suggesting she may sit off the early pace and make a late run. City Prayers showed early speed in her previous local effort, potentially creating pressure on the front end. The pace should develop honestly given the competitive nature of the field, with multiple fillies capable of showing early speed while others prefer to close from behind.
Track and Distance Considerations
The 5½-furlong distance on Horseshoe Indianapolis’ main dirt track should produce honest early fractions. Pun Intended’s previous victory at this exact venue provides a significant advantage, as she has proven her ability to handle both the surface and distance combination. The track typically favors horses with tactical speed who can secure good position early while maintaining enough energy for a strong finish.
Key Angles and Wagering Strategy
Class Angle: Viral Plane Lady’s recent Churchill Downs form represents the highest class level in this field, suggesting she may have a fitness edge over locally-based competition.
Trainer Angle: The Asmussen stable’s dual entry creates value opportunities in exactas and trifectas, as both Ruby’s Ghost and Pun Intended could potentially improve significantly from their most recent efforts.
Weight Angle: High Summer’s 112-lb impost provides a 7-10 pound advantage over the top contenders, potentially creating upset value in a competitive sprint.
Track Angle: Pun Intended’s victory at this venue in similar conditions provides a significant advantage over horses making their local debuts.
Selections and Wagering Recommendations
Win Selection: Viral Plane Lady offers the best combination of recent form, class, and tactical speed for this competitive sprint.
Place/Show: Pun Intended provides excellent value given her proven ability at this track and the Asmussen training.
Exacta: Box Viral Plane Lady and Pun Intended while using Ruby’s Ghost underneath for Asmussen stable value.
Trifecta: Key Viral Plane Lady on top with Pun Intended, Ruby’s Ghost, and Fat Chance in the second and third positions.
Value Play: High Summer at 20-1 odds provides significant longshot potential given her weight advantage and claiming rider incentive.
The race sets up as a competitive sprint where form, class, and tactical positioning will determine the outcome, with Viral Plane Lady holding slight advantages in recent form and class while Pun Intended brings proven track success to the equation.
Race 4 – Claiming (3:48 PM)
1 1/16 Miles Turf – $23,800 Purse – 3YO+ Males
Key Contenders: Texas Cyclone (#3) receives strong support from Ultimate Capper for John Haran and Samuel E. Bermudez. Racing Dudes favors Alpha Omega (#2) at 6-1 odds for Peter Eurton and Sophie Doyle.
Secondary Choices: Personal Creed (#4) brings Asmussen training with Keith J. Asmussen aboard, while Charbon (#6) offers Gabriel Saez a live mount for Carl J. Deville.
Longshots: Skibidi Rizz (#13) catches attention with the lightest impost at 112 lbs through Jose Ramos Gutierrez’s claim.
Pace Analysis: The extended turf distance should produce measured early fractions, setting up for strong stretch drives.
Wagering Angles: The large field creates excellent superfecta value opportunities while focusing on the top contenders for win and place betting.
Selections: 3-Texas Cyclone to win, 2-Alpha Omega to place, 4-Personal Creed to show.
Race 5 – Maiden Special Weight (4:18 PM)
This maiden special weight contest for two-year-old fillies brings together eight competitors over the classic one-mile distance on Horseshoe Indianapolis’ main dirt track. The race offers $27,418 to the winner with a total purse of $43,520, representing one of the stronger maiden events on today’s card.
Key Contenders Analysis
Life of Joy (#6) – 7-5 Morning Line Favorite
Jockey: Fernando De La Cruz Trainer: Brad H. Cox Weight: 120 lbs
Life of Joy emerges as the betting favorite under the guidance of two-time Eclipse Award winning trainer Brad Cox. This daughter of Gun Runner out of Jordan’s Leo represents excellent breeding, as Gun Runner has established himself as one of the premier young sires in North America. Cox’s record with two-year-old fillies remains exceptional, and the assignment of Fernando De La Cruz provides tactical expertise crucial for maiden races. TwinSpires handicappers rate Life of Joy at 7-5 odds and recommend using her in exacta combinations. The filly’s pedigree suggests she should handle the one-mile distance effectively, as Gun Runner’s progeny typically improve with distance.
Rose Parlor (#8) – 5-1 Second Choice
Jockey: Joseph D. Ramos Trainer: William Walden Weight: 120 lbs
Rose Parlor draws significant handicapper support as TwinSpires’ top selection at 5-1 odds. This daughter of Rowayton out of Inspired Rose brings solid breeding credentials to her debut effort. Rowayton proved himself as a versatile sire whose progeny often show early maturity and tactical speed. Trainer William Walden brings experience with developing two-year-old fillies, and jockey Joseph D. Ramos provides competent riding that should help the filly navigate her debut performance. The 5-1 odds suggest value potential if she shows expected debut form.
Command the Stars (#1) – 9-2 Third Choice
Jockey: Gabriel Saez Trainer: S. Jade Cunningham Weight: 120 lbs
Command the Stars brings racing experience to this maiden field, having made two previous starts that provide valuable form analysis. In her most recent effort at Ellis Park on August 2, she finished sixth of eleven, beaten 6¼ lengths by Our Two Girls in a six-furlong maiden race where she was noted as “Brsh erly,4w,yield btw”. Her previous start came at Churchill Downs on June 29, where she finished fifth of nine, beaten by Victory Music in a five-furlong race. This daughter of Complexity out of Pulled The Goalie shows tactical speed based on her early brush noted in both starts. The step up to one mile should benefit her running style, and Gabriel Saez provides Hall of Fame caliber riding that maximizes her tactical positioning.
Secondary Contenders
Brookline (#4) – 45-1 Previous Odds
Jockey: Jaime A. Torres Trainer: Riley Mott Weight: 120 lbs
Brookline enters off a disappointing tenth-place finish at Kentucky Downs in September, where she was beaten 21¼ lengths by Infinite Sky in a one-mile maiden race on good turf. The form analysis shows she was “2-3w turn, lacked bid” in that effort. However, the significant surface change from turf to dirt could prove beneficial, as many horses show marked improvement when switching surfaces. Riley Mott brings developing training skills, and the long odds create potential value if the surface change sparks improvement.
Woodall Pass (#5) – 39-1 Previous Odds
Jockey: Mitchell Murrill Trainer: Carl J. Deville Weight: 120 lbs
Woodall Pass showed some promise in her debut at Churchill Downs in September, finishing fourth of eleven while beaten 12½ lengths by Have Faith in a six-furlong maiden race. She was noted as “Brsh st,ins,4p1/4,altr” suggesting early speed that faded late. The step up to one mile could prove beneficial if she can maintain her early tactical speed over the longer distance. Trainer Carl J. Deville has experience with developing fillies, and Mitchell Murrill provides competent tactical riding.
Longshots and Value Opportunities
Got What I Got (#2) – 10-1 Previous Odds
Jockey: Marcelino Pedroza Jr. Trainer: Jeff A. Hiles Weight: 120 lbs
Got What I Got made her debut at Horseshoe Indianapolis in September, finishing fifth of eight while beaten 10½ lengths by Little Sam’s in a four-furlong maiden race. The form note “Passed tired foes4path” suggests she showed some late interest despite the modest finishing position. The significant distance extension from four furlongs to one mile represents a substantial change, but some fillies improve dramatically with added distance. Marcelino Pedroza Jr. brings proven ability with developing horses.
Cairosa (#3) – Debut
Jockey: Adam Beschizza Trainer: Edward Vaughan Weight: 120 lbs
Cairosa makes her career debut as a daughter of Cairo Prince out of Parade of Roses. Cairo Prince has established himself as a successful sire of early-developing two-year-olds, often producing horses capable of winning on debut. The lack of published workouts or trial information makes evaluation difficult, but debut horses occasionally provide significant value in maiden races. Adam Beschizza brings international experience that could prove valuable.
Unrelenting (#7) – 35-1 Previous Odds
Jockey: Emmanuel Esquivel Trainer: William D. Cowans Weight: 120 lbs
Unrelenting finished a distant eleventh of twelve at Ellis Park in August, beaten 27¾ lengths by Paving in a six-furlong maiden race where she was noted as “3p, outrun”. The poor debut suggests significant improvement needed, but some fillies show marked progress in second starts, particularly with the distance extension to one mile.
Pace Analysis and Distance Considerations
The one-mile distance should produce measured early fractions, particularly with several fillies making debut appearances who may lack early tactical speed. Command the Stars’ previous racing experience suggests she could provide early pace pressure, while Life of Joy’s Gun Runner breeding indicates she should improve with distance. Rose Parlor’s Rowayton breeding typically produces horses with tactical speed suitable for the distance.
The pace scenario appears favorable for horses with closing ability, as the combination of debut horses and distance-stretching could create moderate early fractions. Fillies with proven tactical speed like Command the Stars may find themselves involved early, while debut horses like Life of Joy and Rose Parlor could benefit from tracking the pace and finishing strongly.
Track and Surface Considerations
Horseshoe Indianapolis’ main dirt track should provide fair conditions for this afternoon contest. The one-mile distance utilizes the track’s full circumference, requiring horses to navigate one turn effectively. First-time starters often benefit from familiarity with track characteristics, making the experience factor of Command the Stars potentially valuable.
Key Angles and Wagering Strategy
Trainer Angle: Brad Cox’s exceptional record with two-year-old fillies creates significant confidence in Life of Joy’s debut potential. Cox’s ability to prepare horses for peak first-time efforts remains among the best in North America.
Experience Angle: Command the Stars’ two previous starts provide valuable racing experience that could prove crucial in a field containing several debut horses.
Breeding Angle: Life of Joy’s Gun Runner breeding suggests improvement with distance, while Rose Parlor’s Rowayton lineage typically produces early-developing fillies capable of debut success.
Jockey Angle: Gabriel Saez’s Hall of Fame credentials provide Command the Stars with tactical advantages, while Fernando De La Cruz’s association with the Cox stable creates confidence in Life of Joy’s preparation.
Distance and Class Analysis
The step up to one mile represents a significant test for these two-year-old fillies, as most have limited experience at the distance. Gun Runner’s progeny typically show improvement with distance, supporting Life of Joy’s favoritism. Command the Stars’ previous efforts at shorter distances suggest she possesses tactical speed that could translate effectively over the longer trip.
Selections and Wagering Recommendations
Win Selection: Life of Joy offers the best combination of trainer expertise, jockey skill, and breeding credentials for this maiden test.
Place/Show Value: Rose Parlor provides excellent second-choice value given her breeding and trainer preparation for debut success.
Upset Special: Command the Stars’ racing experience creates potential for outrunning her 9-2 odds in a field containing multiple debut horses.
Exacta Strategy: Box Life of Joy and Rose Parlor as recommended by TwinSpires handicappers while using Command the Stars underneath for experience value.
Trifecta Value: Key Life of Joy on top with Rose Parlor and Command the Stars in second position while using longshots Brookline and Got What I Got in third for potential value.
Pick 3/Pick 4 Strategy: Life of Joy serves as an effective single in multi-race sequences, given her combination of Cox training and Gun Runner breeding advantages.
The race presents a classic maiden scenario where debut potential meets racing experience, with Life of Joy’s Cox training and Gun Runner breeding providing the strongest credentials for victory.
Race 6 – Claiming (4:48 PM)
1 Mile Turf – $23,800 Purse – 3YO+ Mixed
Key Contenders: Born Flashy (#7) attracts Racing Dudes’ attention at 3-1 odds for Genaro Garcia and Evin A. Roman. Stellar Vino (#12) draws Ultimate Capper support for S. Jade Cunningham and Gabriel Saez.
Secondary Choices: Fear and Loathing (#2) brings competitive form for Tracey J. Wisner, while On Palm Sunday (#10) offers value for Joseph D. Davis.
Longshots: Dial Him Up (#9) carries significant weight concessions that could prove advantageous at longer odds.
Pace Analysis: The large field creates multiple pace scenarios, favoring horses with versatile running styles.
Wagering Angles: The competitive nature suggests focusing on boxed exactas and trifectas while using multiple horses in Pick 3 sequences.
Selections: 7-Born Flashy to win, 12-Stellar Vino to place, 2-Fear and Loathing to show.
Race 7 – Allowance Optional Claiming (5:18 PM)
1 Mile Turf – $44,000 Purse – Indiana Breds 3YO+
Key Contenders: Jailhouse Justice (#1) receives Racing Dudes’ backing at 9-2 odds for Anthony J. Granitz and Marcelino Pedroza Jr.. Jeopardy Theory (#3) draws Ultimate Capper support for Kelsey Danner and Fernando De La Cruz.
Secondary Choices: Revs Medal (#7) brings proven class for Terry Phillips, while Gas Alley (#8) represents Michael E. Lauer’s stable.
Longshots: Mackadoo (#2) offers potential value for Gregory D. Foley with Mitchell Murrill aboard.
Pace Analysis: The allowance conditions should produce competitive pace dynamics on the turf course.
Wagering Angles: Focus on the top selections while using Indiana-bred angles in Pick 4 sequences.
Selections: 1-Jailhouse Justice to win, 3-Jeopardy Theory to place, 7-Revs Medal to show.
Race 8 – Allowance (5:48 PM)
1 Mile Dirt – $38,000 Purse – Indiana Breds 3YO+
Key Contenders: Henry the Hank (#7) draws Racing Dudes’ support at 5-2 odds for Jonathan Nance and Evin A. Roman. Bourbon Curiosity (#8) represents Ultimate Capper’s selection for Miguel Angel Silva and Joseph C. Bealmear.
Secondary Choices: Dreaming Bro (#2) brings competitive form for Joseph D. Davis with Luis Contreras riding.
Longshots: Einstein’s Ghost (#3) offers value with weight concessions through Jose Ramos Gutierrez’s claim.
Pace Analysis: The state-bred allowance should produce honest early fractions with strong stretch competition.
Wagering Angles: Focus on the top contenders while using the claiming rider advantage as a key angle.
Selections: 7-Henry the Hank to win, 8-Bourbon Curiosity to place, 2-Dreaming Bro to show.
Races 9-11 – Quarter Horse Trials (6:16 PM, 6:44 PM, 7:12 PM)
400Y Dirt – $14,000 Purse Each – 3-Year-Old Quarter Horses
These trials serve as qualifiers for the $100,000 QHRAI Derby on October 25. Racing Dudes selections include Eye the Cartel (#8) in Race 9, Apolitical Wagon (#5) in Race 10, and Rr Lotta Runforrobyn (#3) in Race 11. Sporting Life shows Rr Lotta Runforrobyn as a 7-5 favorite in the final trial.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Gabriel Saez continues his strong form with multiple mounts throughout the card, including key assignments on Command the Stars and Stellar Vino. Fernando De La Cruz maintains his consistent riding style with mounts for top trainers including Cox and Maker. Marcelino Pedroza Jr. gets significant support from the Cox stable with multiple live mounts. Sophie Doyle provides strong international experience on Alpha Omega in the competitive turf claiming race.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Brad Cox enters the card with exceptional form, training multiple contenders across several races. His two-time Eclipse Award winning record speaks to his ability to prepare horses for peak performance. Steven M. Asmussen’s dual entries in Race 3 create interesting wagering dynamics with both Ruby’s Ghost and Pun Intended carrying stable confidence. Michael J. Maker brings proven turf expertise to Race 2 with Lilies N Paradise drawing considerable support.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Early Pick 5 (Races 1-5): Focus on Cox trainées Black Hornet and Life of Joy as anchor plays while spreading in competitive races 2 and 4.
Late Pick 4 (Races 8-11): Key Henry the Hank in Race 8 while using multiple Quarter Horse trials selections in the final three races.
Best Bets: Black Hornet (Race 1), Viral Plane Lady (Race 3), and Henry the Hank (Race 8) represent the strongest win candidates based on trainer form, jockey assignments, and class advantages.
Value Plays: Texas Cyclone in Race 4 offers excellent value at current odds, while Born Flashy in Race 6 presents solid place and show opportunities in a competitive claiming field.
Exotic Wagers: Focus on Race 4’s large field for superfecta value and use Cox stable entries as key horses in multiple race Pick 3 and Pick 4 sequences throughout the card.
