Get more in-depth analysis for all races and enjoy many other membership perks with a Pick Pony subscription!
Don’t forget Pick Pony’s Expert Picks, AI Picks, and Past Performance Sheets/Racing Forms!
Horseshoe Indianapolis presents a solid 10-race card on Wednesday featuring a mix of allowance, maiden, and claiming events with purses ranging from $14,000 to $49,680. Track conditions are currently fast for dirt racing and good for turf events, with the rail positioned at 36 feet for grass races.
Weather and Track Conditions
Current weather conditions show partly cloudy skies with temperatures around 58°F and winds from the west at 10 mph. The forecast calls for cooler temperatures throughout the day with periods of clouds and sunshine. Dirt track conditions remain fast, while turf courses are rated good, offering excellent racing surfaces for both surfaces.
Track officials report no weather-related concerns for today’s card, with first post scheduled for 2:10 PM ET. The cooler temperatures should favor horses with proven stamina, particularly in the longer route races.
Race-by-Race Analysis
Race 1 – Allowance (1 1/16 Miles Dirt) – 2:10 PM
This allowance race for older horses features a competitive field of seven. Dance Some Mo (2) emerges as the morning line favorite at 3-1 under Joseph Ramos for trainer Thomas Van Berg. The seven-year-old gelding brings veteran experience to this allowance company.
Gaza Heroico (CHI) (6) represents the Brad Cox barn with Fernando De La Cruz aboard, adding significant connections to this race. The Chilean-bred colt has shown promise in recent workouts.
Follow the Money (7) catches attention as Ultimate Capper’s top selection, piloted by Orlando Mojica for Randy Klopp. The six-year-old gelding gets weight relief and could press the early pace.
Analysis: Expect a moderate pace with several horses capable of pressing early. The longer distance should favor horses with proven stamina. Wagering Strategy: Consider Dance Some Mo on top with Follow the Money and Gaza Heroico underneath in exacta and trifecta combinations.
Race 2 – Maiden Special Weight for Indiana Breds (1 Mile 70 Yards Dirt) – 2:50 PM
This Indiana-bred maiden event showcases eight fillies and mares seeking their first victory. Screamin Nina (1) tops both Racing Dudes and Ultimate Capper selections at 5-2 morning line odds. Jose Gutierrez takes the mount for trainer Stephen Fosdick.
Julee Forever (6) presents value at 7-2 odds with Mitchell Murrill riding for Shawna Martin. The five-year-old mare has shown improvement in recent efforts.
Abra Abra (8) rounds out the top contenders at 4-1 with Fernando De La Cruz aboard for Tianna Richardville.
Analysis: Limited early speed suggests a moderate pace favoring horses with late kick. Indiana breeding adds local knowledge advantage. Wagering Strategy: Screamin Nina appears the logical choice with Julee Forever offering exacta value.
Race 3 – Maiden Claiming Turf (1 1/16 Miles) – 3:32 PM
The largest field of the day with 16 entries tackles the turf course. Timbos Tangler (11) gets Ultimate Capper’s nod with Mitchell Murrill riding for Ian Wilkes. The three-year-old gelding shows tactical speed.
Steel Venom (4) earns Brisnet attention at 9-2 odds with Gabriel Saez aboard for Joe Sharp. The consistent gelding has shown improvement on grass.
Mi Compadre (6) represents Racing Dudes’ selection under Joseph Rocco Jr. for Brian Williamson. The three-year-old colt could benefit from the large field pace scenario.
Analysis: Large field suggests competitive pace with multiple pace angles. Turf conditions favor closers with the rail at 36 feet. Wagering Strategy: Use multiple horses in trifecta and superfecta combinations due to field size.
Race 4 – Maiden Special Weight for Indiana Breds (1 Mile 70 Yards Dirt) – 3:55 PM
Another Indiana-bred maiden featuring nine colts and geldings. Gotanotiontodrink (4) stands out as Racing Dudes’ 4-5 favorite with Fernando De La Cruz riding for Randy Klopp. The three-year-old gelding shows consistent form.
Sir Xander (6) offers value as Ultimate Capper’s selection with Marcelino Pedroza Jr. aboard for Jose Cazares. The four-year-old gelding brings experience advantage.
Carthage Cruiser (3) represents the Jay Holden barn with Joseph Ramos riding. The three-year-old gelding has shown recent improvement.
Analysis: Short field suggests tactical race with pace dependent on early positioning. Wagering Strategy: Gotanotiontodrink appears the standout choice with Sir Xander providing exacta value.
Race 5 – Claiming Fillies and Mares Turf (1 Mile) – 4:26 PM
Fifteen fillies and mares compete in this claiming event on turf. Red Rose Rockin (5) earns Ultimate Capper’s selection with Danny Sheehy riding for Andrew McKeever. The three-year-old filly shows turf breeding.
Storm Bay (1) offers value at 8-1 odds with Samuel Camacho Jr. aboard for Glenn Wismer. The five-year-old mare has tactical speed.
Queen of Salsa (7) represents a strong connection with Fernando De La Cruz riding for Aaron Shorter.
Analysis: Large field on turf should produce competitive pace. Rail position at 36 feet favors horses with tactical speed. Wagering Strategy: Red Rose Rockin provides solid foundation with Storm Bay offering longshot value.
Race 6 – Allowance Optional Claiming for Indiana Breds (5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt) – 4:58 PM
Race 6 presents a competitive sprint for Indiana-bred fillies and mares in allowance optional claiming company with a $12,500 claiming tag. The nine-horse field features several horses with recent form connections and established patterns at the distance.
Key Contenders Analysis
Don’t Miss Out (5) emerges as the Sporting Life morning line favorite at 8-5 odds with Luis Contreras riding for trainer Genaro Garcia. The three-year-old filly brings proven form against today’s competition, having defeated Catatonic in their most recent meeting on October 29, 2024. Equibase Smart Pick analysis suggests strong place potential, making her a logical choice for exacta combinations. Her consistent performer status and tactical speed should serve her well in this sprint distance.
Wicked Vette (8) represents Racing Dudes’ selection at 5-2 odds with Fernando De La Cruz taking the mount for Aaron West. The three-year-old filly shows impressive overall statistics with a 7:3-2-1 record, indicating three wins from seven starts. Her strong form includes a victory over Catatonic on May 22, 2025, demonstrating ability against key rivals. The Irish Racing formscan notes she “has strong form and could bounce back from a disappointing last run,” suggesting recent poor performance may have been an aberration.
Catatonic (3) presents significant value at 7/2 odds with Orlando Mojica aboard for Larry Rivelli. The three-year-old filly shows remarkable consistency with a 6:1-3-1 record, including one win and three seconds from six career starts. Her form analysis reveals consistent placing efforts, including recent seconds on August 21 and July 31, 2025. The Sky Sports profile shows she finished second to Don’t Miss Out on October 29, 2024, and third on July 5, 2025, demonstrating competitive ability at this level.
Secondary Choices
I Made It (1) brings proven Indiana-bred experience with Alberto Burgos riding for Stephen Fosdick. At 20-1 morning line odds, she offers potential value despite limited recent form information. The four-year-old filly gets beneficial weight allowance and tactical jockey guidance.
Fat Chance (7) represents solid claiming company experience at 10-1 odds with Mitchell Murrill aboard for Tim Eggleston. The three-year-old filly brings sprint breeding and local knowledge advantage in this Indiana-bred restricted event.
Pace Analysis
The sprint distance of 5 1/2 furlongs should produce moderate early pace with several horses possessing tactical speed. Don’t Miss Out’s consistent performer status suggests she can press early fractions without overextending. Wicked Vette’s proven ability to win from different running styles adds tactical versatility. Catatonic’s consistent placing efforts indicate she can track the pace and finish strongly.
Track conditions favor front-running types in sprint distances, particularly on the fast dirt surface expected today. The short field of nine horses should allow for clean trips and reduce traffic concerns in the stretch run.
Key Angles
Form Connections: The head-to-head matchups between Don’t Miss Out, Catatonic, and Wicked Vette provide clear form lines for handicapping purposes. Don’t Miss Out’s victory over Catatonic establishes the pecking order, while Wicked Vette’s win over Catatonic shows similar competitive ability.
Trainer Patterns: Larry Rivelli’s handling of Catatonic shows consistent placement and improvement, suggesting she’ll be ready for another competitive effort. Aaron West’s management of Wicked Vette includes tactical adjustments that could benefit from the shortened field.
Jockey Considerations: Fernando De La Cruz brings stakes-quality riding to Wicked Vette, while Luis Contreras adds experience to Don’t Miss Out’s chances. Orlando Mojica’s familiarity with Catatonic through recent partnerships provides tactical advantage.
Wagering Recommendations
Win Bet: Don’t Miss Out (5) at 8-5 offers fair value given her proven form against key rivals and consistent performer status.
Place/Show Strategy: Catatonic (3) at 7/2 provides excellent value for place betting given her consistent second-place finishes and competitive ability.
Exacta Strategy: Key Don’t Miss Out over Wicked Vette and Catatonic, with reverse combinations covering Wicked Vette’s upset potential.
Trifecta Approach: Use Don’t Miss Out, Wicked Vette, and Catatonic in multiple combinations with Fat Chance and I Made It as longshot savers.
Race 7 – Allowance Optional Claiming Turf (1 Mile) – 5:28 PM
Race 7 represents the day’s highest purse event featuring a competitive field of twelve older horses in allowance optional claiming company with a $50,000 claiming tag. The one-mile turf distance with the rail at 36 feet creates an ideal setup for tactical racing on Horseshoe Indianapolis’ fair turf course.
Track Conditions and Bias
Horseshoe Indianapolis offers a remarkably fair turf course where speed horses, stalkers, and closers all win at comparable rates in route events. However, horses breaking from posts 9-12 face significant disadvantages, having won only two of 38 two-turn turf races despite 62 starters from those outside gates. Current weather conditions show partly cloudy skies with temperatures around 58°F.
Key Contenders Analysis
Oscar Season (3) emerges as Racing Dudes’ selection and morning line co-favorite at 5/2 odds with Danny Sheehy aboard for Brendan Walsh. The four-year-old Oscar Performance gelding brings impressive credentials with a 7:2-1-2 record showing two wins from seven career starts. His breeding suggests significant turf ability, as Oscar Performance’s progeny consistently demonstrate tactical speed and stamina necessary for mile distances. The Sporting Life profile shows recent form including a third-place finish at Churchill Downs on June 8, 2025, and a victory at Churchill Downs on December 7, 2024. Walsh’s exceptional turf record adds credibility, having captured two recent turf stakes including the Grade 2 Jessamine and Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup.
Summer in Adriane (9) represents exceptional value at 10/1 morning line odds with Fernando De La Cruz riding for Michael Maker. The four-year-old Summer Front gelding showcased his ability with an impressive 25-1 upset victory at Keeneland in April, prevailing in a four-horse photo finish over a mile turf course in 1:39.06. His recent form shows consistency with two wins from his last four starts, including the Keeneland triumph and a Turfway Park victory in February. Maker’s extensive grass expertise makes this gelding particularly appealing at generous odds, as the Hall of Fame trainer consistently excels with turf horses.
Devil’s Harvest (4) brings Gabriel Saez aboard for Aaron West at morning line odds of 7/2. The five-year-old Spring Warrior gelding carries strong Oregon-bred credentials and has shown significant improvement in allowance company. His form analysis shows consistent efforts with a recent record of 23210x. The Blood Horse recognition as an Oregon-bred champion demonstrates his quality level. His victory over Thomas Aquinas at Keeneland in October 2024 established his credentials at this class level.
Secondary Choices
Ocean Pointe (2) gets Ultimate Capper’s backing with Oscar Villarreal riding for Richard Estvanko. The five-year-old gelding brings veteran experience and tactical versatility to this competitive field.
Real Fast (5) represents Paulo Lobo’s barn with Alberto Burgos riding. The five-year-old horse earned $20,400 in his last start on August 18, 2025, at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Lobo’s success with turf horses, including his Grade 1 Keeneland Turf Mile victory with In Love, adds credibility to this entry.
In a Jam (6) offers value at longer odds with Samuel Bermudez aboard for Douglas Danner. The four-year-old gelding brings tactical speed and could benefit from the competitive pace scenario.
Pace Analysis
The competitive twelve-horse field should produce moderate early fractions with multiple horses capable of pressing the pace. The fair nature of Horseshoe Indianapolis’ turf course means all running styles remain viable, creating excellent tactical scenarios. The one-mile distance allows for positioning moves around both turns, favoring horses with proven tactical speed.
Post position analysis becomes crucial, as horses from posts 9-12 face significant challenges. Summer in Adriane benefits from post 9, though this represents the beginning of the disadvantageous outside posts. Oscar Season’s post 3 position provides tactical advantage for Sheehy’s positioning.
Key Angles
Trainer Patterns: Brendan Walsh’s exceptional turf record with stakes victories adds significant appeal to Oscar Season. Michael Maker’s grass expertise and ability to spot horses in winning situations makes Summer in Adriane dangerous at value odds. Paulo Lobo’s turf success, particularly at the mile distance, supports Real Fast’s chances.
Breeding Angles: Oscar Performance’s progeny consistently show turf ability, supporting Oscar Season’s credentials. Summer Front’s turf breeding aligns with Summer in Adriane’s proven grass form.
Class Considerations: The optional claiming structure allows horses to drop in class while maintaining allowance conditions. Devil’s Harvest’s Oregon-bred champion status indicates quality that could translate to this level.
Wagering Recommendations
Win Strategy: Summer in Adriane (9) at 10/1 offers exceptional value given his proven ability and Maker’s turf expertise. His Keeneland victory demonstrates capability to upset at generous odds.
Place/Show Approach: Oscar Season (3) provides solid foundation betting given Walsh’s turf success and the horse’s breeding credentials.
Exacta Strategy: Key Summer in Adriane over Oscar Season and Devil’s Harvest, with reverse combinations covering the favorites’ win potential.
Trifecta Structure: Use Summer in Adriane and Oscar Season in the first two positions, spreading with Devil’s Harvest, Ocean Pointe, and Real Fast for the third position.
Longshot Consideration: In a Jam (6) offers potential value in the lower trifecta and superfecta positions given the competitive nature of this allowance field.
The race presents an excellent wagering opportunity with clear value on Summer in Adriane while respecting the proven credentials of Oscar Season and Devil’s Harvest.
Race 8 – Maiden Special Weight Fillies (5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt) – 5:59 PM
Race 8 presents a competitive field of thirteen two-year-old fillies seeking their first career victory in maiden special weight company. The sprint distance of 5 1/2 furlongs on dirt creates an ideal scenario for precocious juveniles to showcase early speed and tactical ability.
Track Conditions and Distance Analysis
The fast dirt surface at Horseshoe Indianapolis typically favors horses with natural early speed in sprint distances. Two-year-old maiden races often feature unproven horses with varying levels of seasoning, making workout patterns and trainer statistics crucial handicapping factors. The 120-pound weight assignment equalizes the field and places emphasis on natural ability rather than experience.
Key Contenders Analysis
Great Fortune (1) emerges as Ultimate Capper’s selection with Declan Cannon riding for Hall of Fame trainer Thomas Amoss. Amoss brings exceptional credentials with two-year-olds, having recently achieved remarkable success with colt It’s Our Time, who demolished his debut field by 17 3/4 lengths at Saratoga in 1:15.63. The trainer’s statistical dominance with juveniles shows 20 starts in maiden races resulting in six wins and eleven top-three finishes, indicating a 30% win rate and 55% in-the-money percentage. Amoss ranks 15th all-time among North American trainers with 4,223 wins from 17,283 starts, demonstrating a consistent 24% win rate throughout his career.
Light My Flame (2) represents significant value with Gabriel Saez aboard for Jose Camejo. The filly by Flameaway out of a Bernardini mare brings solid breeding credentials from Rose Hill Farm. Recent form shows a competitive second-place finish on October 18, 2025, at Keeneland in maiden special weight company, indicating readiness for victory. Camejo’s recent statistics show a 20.3% win rate with 51.2% place percentage from 123 starts, while his career earnings exceed $9.6 million. Saez adds stakes-quality riding with proven ability in juvenile events.
Shady Valley (3) offers exceptional value as TwinSpires’ longshot selection at 10-1 odds, making her debut for trainer John Ortiz with Danilo Grisales riding. First-time starters often surprise in maiden company when backed by solid training patterns, particularly from barns that successfully debut juveniles.
Secondary Choices
Bo Zocka (6) represents William Walden’s barn with Joseph Ramos riding. Walden brings a compelling redemption story, having overcome addiction to establish a successful training career, recently earning recognition with stakes-quality horses like Bless the Broken. His barn’s success with two-year-olds, including the recent victory with Dazzlingdominika at Churchill Downs, demonstrates ability to prepare maidens for victory.
Aunt Sheryl (13) provides Hall of Fame credentials with Victor Lebron riding for Dale Romans. Romans brings exceptional juvenile filly expertise, having won the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf with Tapitsfly. The trainer’s record includes over 1,600 career victories with ten Churchill Downs training titles and two Keeneland crowns. By Authentic out of a Medaglia d’Oro mare, she combines classic breeding with proven trainer connections.
Cup of Coffee (9) represents another first-time starter with Jane Elliott aboard for Jimmy Corrigan. Debut horses from quality barns deserve consideration in maiden events where experience provides limited advantage.
Pace Analysis
The large field of thirteen fillies should produce competitive early fractions with multiple horses capable of showing natural speed. Two-year-old maiden races typically feature moderate pace scenarios as horses establish positioning preferences for future racing. The 5 1/2-furlong distance allows for tactical maneuvering while favoring horses with proven gate speed.
Track bias considerations favor horses breaking cleanly from inside posts, as traffic concerns increase significantly with larger fields in sprint distances. Great Fortune’s rail post provides tactical advantage if she shows natural speed, while Light My Flame’s post 2 position offers clean early positioning.
Key Angles
Trainer Patterns: Amoss’s remarkable success with two-year-olds, particularly his recent Saratoga triumph with It’s Our Time, establishes Great Fortune as a logical favorite. Romans’s expertise with juvenile fillies, including Breeders’ Cup success, makes Aunt Sheryl dangerous despite the outside post.
Breeding Considerations: Light My Flame’s Flameaway breeding suggests natural speed ability, while her Bernardini dam line adds stamina for the distance. Aunt Sheryl’s Authentic sire line provides tactical speed combined with competitive heart.
Form Analysis: Light My Flame’s recent Keeneland second demonstrates competitive ability against similar company, suggesting readiness for breakthrough victory. Her improvement pattern from debut to second start indicates proper development.
Wagering Recommendations
Win Strategy: Light My Flame (2) offers exceptional value given her proven form and quality jockey upgrade to Gabriel Saez. Her recent competitive effort and favorable post position create winning conditions.
Place/Show Approach: Great Fortune (1) provides solid foundation betting given Amoss’s juvenile success and rail post advantage.
Exacta Strategy: Key Light My Flame over Great Fortune and Aunt Sheryl, with reverse combinations covering the favorite’s win potential.
Trifecta Structure: Use Light My Flame and Great Fortune in the first two positions, spreading with Aunt Sheryl, Bo Zocka, and Shady Valley for value in the third spot.
Longshot Consideration: Shady Valley (3) at 10-1 offers significant value for first-time starter connections, particularly in trifecta and superfecta combinations where maiden races can produce surprising results.
Race 9 – Low-Level Claiming (1 Mile 70 Yards Dirt) – 6:29 PM
Ten horses compete in this $5,000 claiming event. Gucci Man (3) gets Ultimate Capper’s selection at 3-1 odds with Jesus Castanon riding for Jose Castanon. The four-year-old gelding shows consistent form.
Firewater Jake (6) earns additional support with Santo Sanjur aboard for Genaro Garcia. The nine-year-old veteran brings experience.
Halter Boy (5) adds Gabriel Saez with Jerry Dixon Jr. training.
Analysis: Bottom-level claiming race with multiple pace angles. Distance should favor horses with proven stamina. Wagering Strategy: Gucci Man offers solid foundation with Firewater Jake providing value.
Race 10 – Quarter Horse Maiden (350 Yards Dirt) – 6:57 PM
Fourteen quarter horse two-year-olds compete in the day’s finale. Tea Quila (8) earns multiple expert selections at 7-2 odds with Martin Munoz riding for Ricardo Martinez. The filly shows natural speed.
Last Famous Eagle (6) represents the 5-2 morning line favorite with Aron Hunt aboard for Shawna Martin.
Lb Royal Wagon (10) offers value at 5-1 odds with Francisco Quintero riding for Claudio Barraza.
Analysis: Quarter horse sprint demands explosive early speed. Gate break crucial in short distance. Wagering Strategy: Tea Quila provides solid choice with Last Famous Eagle offering exacta foundation.
Jockey Insights
Fernando De La Cruz continues his strong form with multiple mounts throughout the card. His tactical versatility makes him dangerous in any race type. Joseph Ramos brings veteran experience and has shown particular effectiveness in route races. Gabriel Saez adds stakes-quality riding to several key mounts.
Alberto Burgos has been riding well at the current meet and deserves consideration on his mounts. Recent double victories demonstrate his current form.
Trainer Analysis
Randy Klopp leads the current trainer standings with strong statistics and multiple entries today. His horses consistently show improvement and proper placement. Brad Cox brings stakes-level training to his entries and commands respect.
Michael Maker and Brendan Walsh add significant connections to the turf events. Their grass horses typically show improvement with proper placement.
Best Wagering Strategies
Early Pick 4 (Races 1-4): Focus on Dance Some Mo, Screamin Nina, Timbos Tangler/Steel Venom, and Gotanotiontodrink.
Late Pick 4 (Races 7-10): Build around Oscar Season, Great Fortune, Gucci Man, and Tea Quila.
Value Plays: Storm Bay in Race 5 at 8-1 odds offers significant value in claiming company. Bo Zocka in Race 8 provides maiden special weight value at 6-1.
Exotic Strategies: Use multiple horses in Race 3 trifecta combinations due to the large field and competitive pace scenario. Focus on exacta combinations in sprint races where pace scenarios are more predictable.
