Indiana Derby

A purse of $500,000 will be up for grabs in Saturday night’s Indiana Derby
(G2) at Hoosier Park. SCRAPPY T (Fit to Fight), who is best known for nearly
causing a horrific spill in this year’s running of the Preakness S. (G1), easily
rates our top choice. The Robert Bailes trainee has not started since that
memorable day.

In the Preakness, Scrappy T pressed fast early fractions, took the lead between calls
turning for home, then bolted to the outside after receiving a sharp left-handed
whip at the top of the stretch causing eventual winner Afleet Alex (Northern Afleet) to
clip heels and stumble badly. Prior to that, he was a near front-running winner
of the Withers S. (G3). Scrappy T likes to be in the mix early and is the one to
beat under a returning Ramon Dominguez.

The speedy THOR’S ECHO (Swiss Yodeler) dueled for the early lead and then
edged away to a daylight victory in a seven-furlong restricted stakes race at
Del Mar in his last start. The Doug O’Neill trainee captured the nine-furlong
WinStar Derby earlier this year and likely will get sent to the early
lead. He could be tough to pass.

Northern Dancer Breeders’ Cup S. (G3) winner DON’T GET MAD (Stephen Got Even)
made a nice middle move before finishing an even fourth in the Travers S. (G1)
last out. The Ron Ellis-trained colt is well drawn on the outside for a clear
trip and is a solid closer who must be respected.

Lone Star Derby (G3) winner SOUTHERN AFRICA (Cape Town) comes off a nice
runner-up effort in the Pennsylvania Derby (G2). The dark bay colt has tactical
speed and rates our sleeper at 6-1 on the morning line.

Grade 2 winner GREATER
GOOD (Intidab) has not started since finishing 13th in the Kentucky Derby (G1)
but has been training well of late for conditioner Bob Holthus. He has some
upset potential at a price. Arlington Classic S. (G3) winner PURIM (Dynaformer)
returns to the dirt after setting the pace and fading in the Secretariat S. (G1)
at Arlington Park. He figures to attend the early running and is worth a second
look.

IT’S TIME TO SMILE (Ops Smile) finished a good third in the Ohio Derby (G2)
two back but would need additional improvement to threaten for all the marbles.
Iowa Derby runner-up APACHE POINT (Royal Academy) has the look of a useful sort
but will get tested for class with these. EARTHS VAIN SHADOW (Quiet American) is
eligible for a first-level allowance and would appear to be in tough.