Un Ojo and Rattle N Roll —Two 3-year-olds were close to starting the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) but didn’t — leading the 10-man field for the $300,000 Indiana Derby (G3) on July 9 at the time Indianapolis horseshoe.
Cypress Creek Equine and Oaks Whisper Farm Un Ojo Rebel Staking (G3) winner in February at Oaklawn Park, missed the Derby due to what his ties say was a bruised foot. Meanwhile, Lucky Seven Stable’s Rattle N Roll, the second who also qualified in the Derby — did not participate in Run for the Roses, as the first also qualified and scored 80-1 Rich Strike do.
Un Ojo and Rattle N Roll were the top two earners in the 1/16-mile Indiana Derby, with banknotes of $782,571 and $605,105 respectively.
The April 27 Un Ojo train at Churchill Downs
Won last year’s Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1) competition in second place at Keeneland and the American Derby at Churchill Downs just a few days ago on July 2nd, Rattle N Roll is likely going to be well supported in a race that includes Ottoman King the ultimate winner of the Texas Derby, as well as several other rising riders.
“Rattle N Roll can be hard to beat three times in a week,” joked Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, the Ottoman King’s coach, referring to Rattle N Roll winning the American Derby and being crossed in the game. The Iowa Derby on Saturday.
Kenny McPeek texted BloodHorse on July 5 that Rattle N Roll would run in the Indiana Derby, not in Iowa.
Asked about Link Colt’s readiness for a week’s spin, he retweeted a video of colt’s post-race jog taken the day after the American Derby, showing no apparent fatigue following his two-length score at Churchill.
Video: American Derby (BT)
McPeek had previously announced the tracking public. “We galloped. The horse did a great job. There are very few chances for a horse like it. We’ve looked at the calendar and there are no other races for him until maybe mid-to-ear. the end of August.
“I know it’s not normal. I was a little worried about it. But we brought him in and back on Sunday morning after the race. He cleaned (eating) before 8pm the following night. when he runs. He cleans the next morning. He has never been better.
“We buy horses to race them. It can be very interesting. We will look at (past performances). Nothing is set until we get him there (from the base). his Churchill).”
Besides the Rattle N Roll, several other Indiana Derby horses crossed in other races, another in the Iowa Derby and two in the previous Indiana-bred pile race on the Saturday card at Horseshoe Indianapolis .
Un Ojo made his first start for coach Robertino Diodoro after being coached by Ricky Courville before and during the winter by Tony Dutrow. Most recently, Un Ojo finished eighth in the Arkansas Derby (G1) after one eye Laoban gelding caused his rally to take a hit when he bounced off the rails on his second turn.
The eight stakes are part of Saturday’s program at Horseshoe Indianapolis, with top supporting events being the $200,000 Indiana Oaks (G3) prize for 3-year-olds and the $100,000 Jonathan B. Shuster is for older horses.
Item: Indiana Derby (G3)
Indianapolis horseshoeSaturday, July 9, 2022, Race 12
- Level III
- 1 1/16m
- Dust
- 300,000 dollars
- 3 yo
- 6:40pm (local)
