The Indiana Derby, the state’s richest horse race, just got a boost for the 27th running of the event Wednesday, July 7. A special All-Stakes Pick 4 will be featured on the final four races of the card, ending with the Derby in Race 12 sporting a $100,000 guaranteed pool.
“The Indiana Derby is our biggest program of the season and we wanted to do something to enhance the event,” said Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing at Indiana Grand. “Our Pick 4 has really taken off this season with the reduced takeout of 15 percent, so by adding a guaranteed pool to the wager, it will give bettors added incentive for those final four stakes races on our card.”
In addition to the All-Stakes Pick 4, two other Pick 4 wagers will be offered in Race 1 and again in Race 5. The popular Pick 5, with an industry low takeout of 11.99 percent, begins with Race 8 and goes through the end of the card.
Another wagering scenario may play out for Indiana Derby Night. The track is currently facilitating a carryover of $143,471.91 in the Straight Fire 6 (Jackpot Pick 6). If the wager does not get hit during the Tuesday, July 6 card, then Indiana Grand will offer a mandatory payout on the wager during the Indiana Derby program. The Pick 6 is set to begin in Race 7, which is also the start of six stakes for the night.
Indiana Derby Day will feature numerous activities to complement the racing program, including five $1,000 Megabet Win Wagers on the Indiana Derby, courtesy of the Indiana Thoroughbred Alliance. The twilight card will also feature a $500 Indiana Derby Hat Contest, Cigar Rolling Station, $1,000 Derby Warriors Handicapping Contest, Strolling Entertainment, and a community food booth featuring sno cones and cotton candy with all proceeds going to the Shelbyville High School Girls Basketball program. Free parking and free general admission will be provided for all racing fans with ample seating available on a first come, first serve basis.
