The 27th running of the Grade 3 $300,000 Indiana Derby has drawn 46 nominations, including four starters from this year’s Kentucky Derby.
The race is set for July 7 and will be complimented by the 26th running of the Grade 3 $200,000 Indiana Oaks.
A total of six stakes are slated for the program with a first post set for 2:25 p.m.
Trainer Brad Cox has nominated 10 horses to the Indiana Derby, including Belmont Stakes winner Essential Quality. The grey son of Tapit last started in the third leg of the Triple Crown and is three of four in 2021, only missing the win in the 2021 Kentucky Derby where he finished fourth.
Other horses nominated from the Cox Stable include Mandaloun, second-place finisher in this year’s Kentucky Derby, and Fulsome, who has won his last three starts, including the Grade 3 Matt Winn at Churchill Downs.
Trainer Greg Foley had nominated O Besos, fifth-place finisher in this year’s Kentucky Derby. The chestnut son of Orb finished second in his last start in the Grade 3 Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs.
Trainer Steve Asmussen has nominated Super Stock, a starter in the Kentucky Derby. The Dialed In colt finished fourth in his last start, the $300,000 Texas Derby at Lone Star Park. Prior to his start in the Kentucky Derby, Super Stock won the $1 million Grade 1 Arkansas Derby.
A total of 14 horses on the Indiana Derby nomination list are Graded Stakes placed, eight of which are Graded Stakes winners.
The Indiana Oaks has been set up with 29 nominations. Nine of the fillies on the list are Graded Stakes placed with several California-connected horses on the list.
Ken McPeek has nominated Crazy Beautiful, winner of the Grade 2 Summer Oaks at Santa Anita in her last start.
Another filly capturing attention on the list is Army Wife, who won the Grade 2 $250,000 Black Eyed Susan at Pimlico in her last start. The Declaration of War filly is trained by Mike Maker.
Will’s Secret also has been nominated from the Dallas Stewart Stable. The Will Take Charge filly finished third in the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks in her last start.
The Indiana Derby program will include several activities, including five $1,000 Indiana Derby Megabet drawings, courtesy of the Indiana Thoroughbred Alliance.
The early evening card will also include a Cigar Rolling Station, Indiana Derby Hat Contest, strolling entertainment, and extended outdoor food and beverage outlets.
Estimated post time for the Indiana Derby is approximately 7:45 p.m.
