The 8th Running of The IND Derby-G3
July 7, 2021 18:25
IND Race #2 $300.000
3YO 120 Lbs 11/16 Dirt
Stakes/Track Record-1:41.04 (Rumble-2018)
Not very often outside the KEE, SAR, and DMR meets are graded stakes run in the middle of the week so the $300.000 G3 IND Derby has carved-out a nice niche in the stakes schedule. Having been run for the first time in 2013, this is one of the younger graded stakes on the HRP schedule. Sanny Village (2014, 2017) and D J C Racing Stables (2015, 2018) have each claimed two editions while no jockey has been victorious more than once. Along with the purse, this 8.5 furlong contest offers four BC points to the victor, two points to the place horse, and one point to the show pony.
This seems like it should have drawn more than the six horses that entered, but the half dozen that did choose this spot are sure to keep the fans entertained. Here’s your field for the 2021 G3 IND Derby:
#1 Strider (John Henry/S.X. Bridgmohan): Strider enters here off of a June 9 N1X ALW score at PRX going a mile and seventy yards. Previous foray into graded company saw the Indistinguishable gelding finish 6th, beaten two lengths, in the TAM Derby (G2). In between the aforementioned races was a 7th place finish in a CD ALW. Has worked well since the PRX score so he may be moving in the right direction, but filling out the verticals may be his ceiling here.
#2 Proud Crown (Mb Stables/E. Jaramillo): A winner of three of his last four, Proud Crown is the only multiple GS winner in the field. Looking to pick up his 3rd G3 (Lecomte-FG, Winn-CD) to go along with his G2 score in the FOY-GP. Gets the “go to” jock here for MB Stables and has been working like a good thing since the May 29 Winn (G3) victory. Lots to like here and the Gold Crown gelding looks like a heavy favorite in this one.
#3 Nark (D J C Racing Stables/J. Velazquez): Breaking from stall three is Nark who is stretching back out in this one after trying sprinters in the G3 Lang Stakes at PIM on May 15. Managed to make a run into 3rd in that six furlong affair after posting a victory in the $50.000 AZ Breeder Derby at today’s trip. Today will be his second attempt at routing and second battle with graded foes. That is TUP score was just his 2nd victory as he couldn’t find the Winner’s Circle in three attempts at the N1X level; however, this trainer has taken down two of the previous seven renewals so he must like what this Scott The Great gelding has been showing him.
#4 Penalty Shot (Maxmillion Farm/Mar. Gracia): Another graded winner, Penalty Shot returns today after an 11th place finish in the G1 PRK on May 15 at PIM. The gelded son of Taniwha took down the G3 Ruby Stakes at TP in his race prior to the middle jewel of the TC. Among a strong trio of works, had a nice six furlong breeze over this track completed in 1:12.58 over a “good” dirt surface. In previous graded tries this guy has rallied from far off of the pace so he may need to get a bit closer early if he plans on passing some of these, but looms as the biggest threat in what is only his 8th lifetime effort.
#5 Greatness G (Jive, Inc./D. Davis): Also making the eight start of his career, Greatness G will be making his graded stakes debut in this one. Picked up a nice seven furlong allowance score at LS before going back to Grand Prairie to run 3rd in the $300.000 Texas Derby (TX-breds) on May 31. This one has been on or near the pace in all of his wins, so expect Davis to have him on the pace early, but the son of Great Islander has to improve a bit to be in front when they hit the wire.
#6 Figured The Storm (Arindel/T. Gaffalione): Rounding out the field is Figured The Storm who breaks from post six. Was last seen in for a $40 tag at CD where he finished 2nd on June 17. This one has one stakes try in his career as the Commanding The Storm gelding was 4th in the $100.000 Mucho Macho Man at GP. On the plus side, routing is definitely this guy’s game so he will assuredly stay the trip; question if he can beat theses types, but nothing wrong with firing your shot when the opportunity arises.
Final Analysis: The two graded winners appear to only have each other to fear, but stranger things have happened. Taking Penalty Shot to hit the mark in the $300.000 G3 IND Derby. Good luck to all involved.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
