Cox sends Leading Change to Indiana Derby, Prom Queen to Oaks

A smashing debut winner in early June, Leading Change will jump straight to stakes competition and challenge for favoritism when lining up for Saturday’s $300,000 Indiana Derby (G3) at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Nine were entered for the 1 1/16-mile race, but morning-line choice Desert Gate will reportedly scratch in favor of Saturday’s Iowa Derby at Prairie Meadows.

Brad Cox trains Leading Change, an $800,000 son of Gun Runner who rallied from just off the pace to crush maiden rivals at Churchill Downs by 6 1/2-lengths, and Irad Ortiz Jr. retains the assignment on the exciting bay colt. Leading Change registered an excellent 96 Brisnet Speed rating, winning at first asking, and he’s bred to appreciate the stretch-out in distance, counting multiple Grade 1-winning millionaire Shedaresthedevil as a half-sister.

Out of the Woods promises to show speed following an encouraging runner-up in his first stakes attempt, the Delaware Derby in mid-June, and Luis Saez will pick up the mount for Phil D’Amato. Multiple Louisiana-bred stakes winner Our Moneyman merits consideration following a clear second to Further Ado in the Matt Winn (G3). Blue Grass (G1) fourth Creole Chrome, a romping stakes winner over restricted foes at Evangeline Downs last month, is another Louisiana-bred runner of note in the field.

The Indiana Derby is one of eight stakes on the 13-race program.

Cox will send out the one to beat in the $200,000 Indiana Oaks (G3), Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) winner Prom Queen. After squaring off against the top-class rivals in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Acorn (G1), experiencing less-than-favorable trips and finishing fifth and fourth, respectively, Prom Queen will receive class relief Saturday.

She heads six runners entered for the 1 1/16-mile race, but Summertime Oaks (G2) winner Mizumi is expected to scratch in favor of Friday’s Iowa Oaks. Ortiz takes over the reins on Prom Queen, and the late-running daughter of Quality Road is eligible to race closer to the action given the projected race shape.

Betty’s Pearl merits respect following a fast allowance win at Churchill, generating a 98 Brisnet Speed rating for the 6 1/4-length decision. Maximum Offer, who defeated Betty’s Pearl when recording a sharp allowance win on the Kentucky Oaks undercard, will try to rebound after finishing last of five runners in the Acorn. 

Other stakes of note include the $100,000 Jonathan B. Schuster Memorial, a 1 1/16-mile turf affair, and multiple stakes winner Wadsworth has been installed as a lukewarm 4-1 morning-line favorite in the competitive 10-horse field. Twelve fillies and mares will square off in the $100,000 Mari Hulman George Memorial at 1 1/16 miles on the main track, and Yes It Tiz figures to vie for favoritism following a convincing allowance win at Churchill Downs.