Indiana Derby is the biggest horse race in the state, so naturally, jockeys who participate day in, day out at Horseshoe Indianapolis want to be included in the race.

This year, several local jockeys will vie for the title in the 29^th running of the Grade 3 $300,000 race Saturday, including Marcelino Pedroza Jr., Orlando Mojica and Eddie Perez, who are based in Indiana on a full-time basis.

Pedroza Jr. (photo) is a three-time leading jockey in Indiana and is currently leading the standings once again in 2023. He has secured the ride aboard Derby favorite Verifying, who begins from post five at odds of 8-5. The son of Justify was a starter in this year’s Kentucky Derby and looks to add a stakes win to his credentials from the race.

Although Pedroza Jr. has not ridden Verifying in a race, he has experience with the horse, who is trained by the nation’s top trainer in purse earnings this year Brad Cox. Cox keeps a string of horses each season at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville under the care of assistant trainer Ricky Giannini.

“I’ve worked him (Verifying) a couple times down at Fair Grounds this past winter,” added Pedroza Jr. “I’ve never ridden him in a race, but I’m very familiar with him. I’ll just go into it like it’s a regular day (as far as preparation). But it feels good to be riding in the Derby.”

Pedroza Jr., who has more than 1,400 career wins since arriving in the United States from his native Panama, will make his third start in the Indiana Derby. He guided King Ottoman to a third place finish last year.

“I’ve ridden in the Kentucky Derby, so it’s always an honor to ride in a Derby in any state,” said Pedroza Jr. “I’ve been here for many years and this race is one I really want to win. I thank Brad (Cox) for giving me this opportunity on such a nice horse.”

Orlando Mojica (photo) will also guide one of the favorites in this year’s Indiana Derby as he climbs aboard Act a Fool for the first time from post three at odds of 6-1. The three-year-old Oscar Performance colt is currently on a four-race win streak. This will be the first time Mojica has ridden the colt for trainer Larry Rivelli.

“Larry is a good trainer and always has his horses ready and fit,” said Mojica. “I’ve never ridden this horse, but I’ve ridden against him and been behind him. He’s a nice horse. I know what he can do. We will see what happens. You never know. It’s only numbers on the page.”

Mojica began his riding career in 2000. He has secured leading rider titles at several tracks, including Hoosier Park and Ellis Park in addition to his three titles at Horseshoe Indianapolis. With more than 2,600 career wins, the multiple Graded Stakes winning jockey would love to add one more title to his credentials.

“This is home and I’ve been riding here a long time and ridden in this Derby several times,” added Mojica. “I’m just glad to have this opportunity to ride in the Derby. It sure is nice to be riding in it again this year.”

Indiana Derby Day, the state’s biggest day of horse racing, will be complemented by numerous activities, including a Virtual Reality Jockey Station, cigar rolling station to the first 500, $600 Indiana Derby Hat Contest, $2,500 Indiana Derby Legends Handicapping Contest, and a drawing for one $3,000 Megabet across the board on the Indiana Derby.

A total of eight premier races are on the program featuring purses of more than $1.1 million.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m. with ample seating both indoors and outside on a first come first serve basis. Free parking and free general admission offered to guests of all ages on the racing side.

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