The 21st season at Horseshoe Indianapolis is set for Tuesday, April 18 with nine Thoroughbred and one Quarter Horse race. The first race will load in the gate at 2:30 p.m. for the 123-day racing season.
“We have a lot to look forward to in 2023,” said Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing. “Our barn area is nearly full already. We have had horses ship in from all over the United States. Entries have been strong for our first two days. We are glad to welcome a few new stables this year and will work to keep the momentum going from last season where we had a record setting year in handle.”
The feature on the season opener is a $43,000 allowance with a full field of 10 slated for the ninth race. All but one horse in the race makes its 2023 racing debut with Spotonjustice tagged as one of the favorites from post five. The Lantana Mob gelding, now three, returns for a new season off a win in his last start of 2022 in the $100,000 Crown Ambassador Stakes. DeShawn Parker, who won his 6,000th career race at Horseshoe Indianapolis last year, will ride the Tony Granitz-trained gelding from post five.
“Every year, we have some really nice horses that train and race here,” added Halstrom. “Last year, Angel of Empire started off his career here and had two wins for Trainer Brad Cox. He is now headed to this year's Kentucky Derby. This is just an example of some of the top horses we see throughout the season.”
Some of this year's top 3-year-olds will head to Horseshoe Indianapolis for the track's signature event, the 29th running of the Grade 3 $300,000 Indiana Derby slated for Saturday, July 8. The afternoon card, beginning at Noon, will present more than one million in premier races on the day surrounded by activities and giveaways trackside.
“We have added several Saturday racing programs this year and will race from June 3 through Sept. 2,” said Halstrom. “Six of those dates are for Quarter Horse cards beginning at 10:45 a.m. and five dates are slated for Saturday night programs beginning at 5:30 p.m. We have a lot to offer our local fans for 2023.”
Local fans can also catch all the action from Kentucky Derby Day Saturday, May 6. The first race from Churchill Downs begins at 10:30 a.m. with live racing from Horseshoe Indianapolis beginning at 10:45 a.m. The afternoon includes a $3,000 Win-Place-Show drawing for one lucky fan to place on the Derby. Plus, those dressed for the occasion can participate in the $600 Derby Day Hat Contest. The day also includes giveaways and food trucks to enhance the experience for racing fans.
The track has also adjusted its wagering menu this season to include two Pick 5 wagers on the card. The popular option will be held on the first five Thoroughbred races while the second one, the Late Fire Five, will be offered on the last five Thoroughbred races daily. Each of these Pick 5s offer separate carryovers and one of the lowest takeouts in North America at 11.99 percent. The wagering format also includes two Pick 4 wagers with a lower takeout of 15 percent.
The 21st season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Friday, Nov. 17. Live racing will be held Monday through Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. with Thursday post time set for 2:10 p.m. Saturday racing will be held during the summer months featuring six all-Quarter Horse dates June 3, July 1, July 22, Aug. 12, Sept. 2, and Oct. 7 beginning at 10:45 a.m. Indiana's featured event, the Grade 3 $300,000 Indiana Derby is set for Saturday, July 8 with a first post time of 12 p.m. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-
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