Scrappy T seeks Indiana Derby

Scrappy T seeks Indiana Derby

Preakness (G1) runner-up SCRAPPY T (Fit to Fight) heads a field of nine

sophomores entered for Saturday evening's $500,000 Indiana Derby (G2) at Hoosier

Park. Trained by Robert Bailes, the Grade 3-winning Scrappy T will be making his

first start since an eventful trip in the May 21 Preakness when the gelding

nearly wiped out Afleet Alex (Northern Afleet) leaving the far turn. The

incident clearly affected jockey Ramon Dominguez during the race, but Scrappy T

was still able to hold second by five lengths despite little encouragement in

the saddle. Dominguez retains the mount.

DON'T GET MAD (Stephen Got Even), the fourth-place finisher in both the

Kentucky Derby (G1) and Travers S. (G1), also merits serious respect. Trained by

Ron Ellis, Don't Get Mad placed in a couple of Grade 2 races in California prior

to winning the Derby Trial by seven lengths. He reeled right back seven days

later with a strong finish in the Kentucky Derby and captured the Northern

Dancer Breeders' Cup (G3) in mid-June.

Other contenders include Grade 2 victor GREATER GOOD (Intidab), who recorded

wins in the Rebel S. (G3) and Southwest S. earlier this season but is unraced

since a 13th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby, and Lone Star Derby (G3) winner

SOUTHERN AFRICA (Cape Town), who exits a runner-up placing in the Pennsylvania

Derby (G2).

IT'S TIME TO SMILE (Ops Smile) will lead the post parade under a 117-pound

impost that includes Thomas Clifton. Next comes THOR'S ECHO (Swiss Yodeler),

Felipe Martinez, 124; Southern Africa, Tyler Baze, 124; Greater Good, John

McKee, 124; Scrappy T, 124; PURIM (Dynaformer), Mark Guidry, 124; EARTHS VAIN

SHADOW (Quiet American), Thomas Pompell, 121; APACHE POINT (Royal Academy), no

rider, 115; and Don't Get Mad, Brice Blanc, 124.