Horseshoe Indianapolis

2026-09-01 • 9 races

Today's Race Picks

Race 1

Servis barn and Saez combo carry class edge.

Race 2

Rivelli reliable with 2yo fillies at this oval.

Race 3

Murrill on Pompell runner fits route profile well.

Race 4

Walter Rodriguez booking and Van Berg name stand out.

Race 5

Saez and Murrill top jockeys in mile routes here.

Race 6

Davis barn and Achard combo clicking in 2yo races.

Race 7

Contreras-Esquivel tandem dangerous in fillies route.

Race 8

Mott barn class; Cafe Embrace longshot value at 1-1/16.

Race 9

Barraza barn dominates QH races; Diaz solid aboard.

Today's Exacta Picks

Race 8 • Straight Exacta

→

Est. payout: $22

Mott class over Cafe Embrace longshot value underneath.

Race 9 • Box Exacta

→ & reverse

Est. payout: $14

Barraza barn owns both runners in tight QH sprint.

Races

on card

Maiden

races

Claiming

races

Allowance

races

A nine-race card at Horseshoe Indianapolis featuring predominantly dirt sprint and route racing on a synthetic/dirt surface, with a unique 350-yard Quarter Horse closer. The card is light on form data (no position results available), but the morning-line odds reveal several heavily favored horses including a 3/5 shot (Takeitandrun, scratched) and a 7/5 favorite (Hold Your Breath), suggesting the card leans toward chalk in the sprints. The presence of a Quarter Horse race (Race 9, 350Y) and an Irish-bred (Cinquante Cinq IRE) in Race 8 adds surface/pedigree complexity worth monitoring.

Neutral Track Horseshoe Indianapolis operates on a synthetic (Tapeta-style) surface. At this track, synthetic surfaces typically favor horses with tactical speed — those that can press or sit just off a contested pace — rather than pure front-runners or deep closers. The 5.5F distances dominate the card (Races 1, 2, 6), suggesting a speed-favoring bias at the shorter distances. The route races (1M and 1 1/16M) on synthetic tend to reward stamina and pace control. The Quarter Horse race (350Y, Race 9) is a pure gate-to-wire sprint on dirt — barn/trainer connections with Quarter Horse-specific experience hold a massive edge. Without final result splits, the synthetic surface at Horseshoe historically rewards horses with early foot who can sustain through the stretch, slightly penalizing deep closers in small fields.

Class Breakdown

Maiden/Starter — 2YO Fillies (Dirt Sprint 5.5F)

2 races • None favs won

Low Predictability

Races 2 and 6 are 2YO filly sprints — fields of first-time starters or limited form. Wide-open betting with compressed odds (2/1 down to 4/1 favorites) suggesting public splits. Expect pace issues and unexpected closers. Tianna Richardville saddles a runner in each race.

Open Dirt Sprint — 3YO+ (5.5F / 6F)

2 races • None favs won

Medium Predictability

Races 1 and 4. Race 1 has a heavy favorite (Hold Your Breath 7/5, trainer John C. Servis — a name worth watching). Race 4 is wide open with 10 runners and no horse below 4/1 — chalk spread suggests class parity and upset potential.

Open Dirt Route — 3YO+ (1M 70Y / 1M / 1 1/16M)

3 races • None favs won

Medium Predictability

Races 3, 5, and 8. Race 5 had a heavily odds-on favorite (Takeitandrun 3/5) scratch as NR — the field is now completely restructured and significantly more open, elevating Accredit (5/2) to de facto new top price. Race 8 features Cinquante Cinq (IRE) (9/2) trained by Riley Mott — pedigree and connections suggest this is the class horse in the field.

F&M Dirt Sprint/Route — 3YO+ (5.5F / 1M / 1 1/16M)

3 races • None favs won

Medium Predictability

Races 1, 7, and 8. Race 7 had multiple scratches (Cover Art, Lavish Justice, Go Eve Go, Scripted Love) reducing from 16 to 12, opening the betting considerably. Once More (7/2) and Captured (5/1) emerge as co-favorites. Race 8 features notable connections (Riley Mott, Brendan Walsh, Eoin Harty, Paulo Lobo) suggesting a hidden stakes-quality heat.

Quarter Horse Sprint (350Y)

1 race • None favs won

Medium Predictability

Race 9. Claudio Barraza controls the top two prices — Three Eyed Candy (2/1) and Dare to Fly (5/1). Quarter horse racing is highly specialist; barn patterns and gate position are decisive. Barraza dual entry is a significant positive signal for the barn.

Who's Coming In Hot

Cipriano Contreras

Trainer

2 recent wins

Contreras saddles three horses across the card (Spring Loaded R2, Gdoubleyou R4, Cloudless Day R7) — an unusually heavy book for a single trainer at a regional track. Stabling multiple runners suggests confidence and strong local knowledge. This is a barn worth following on this circuit.

Genaro Garcia

Trainer

2 recent wins

Garcia runs four horses on the card: C C's Gift (R2), Start Out (R4), Miss Unbridled (R6), Athena the Swift (R7) — highest volume trainer on the card. High-volume barns at minor tracks often fire with overlooked runners. Miss Unbridled and Athena the Swift both offer value odds (15/1) and represent monitoring targets.

Claudio Barraza

Trainer

2 recent wins

Barraza sends out two of eight entries in Race 9 (Dare to Fly 5/1, Three Eyed Candy 2/1) — controlling 25% of the field. Quarter Horse specialists with multiple runners in the same race have a significant tactical and informational edge. Back Three Eyed Candy as the barn's likely main shooter.

Michelle L. Elliott

Trainer

1 recent wins

Elliott runs Tank Walk (R3, 12/1) and Pious (R7, 20/1) — both in open routes. Both are large overlay prices suggesting Elliott is placing horses to get experience rather than firing a hot angle. Fade in win pools but monitor for exotic inclusion if pace sets up.

Walter A. Rodriguez

Jockey

2 recent wins

Rodriguez picks up mounts in R1 (Viral Plane Lady, 12/1), R2 (Liams Fancy, 2/1 — the favorite), and R4 (Berniedott, 8/1). Notably aboard the 2/1 ML favorite Liams Fancy in the 2YO filly maiden sprint — a key ride worth watching. His book is spread across chalk and value, suggesting he's among the track's go-to pilots.

Emmanuel Esquivel

Jockey

2 recent wins

Esquivel has mounts in R2 (Spring Loaded, 4/1), R3 (Gunzo, 9/2), and R7 (Cloudless Day, 10/1) — a solid book including two horses at competitive odds. His presence on Contreras-trained horses (Spring Loaded, Cloudless Day) is a key stable-jockey connection to note for future angles.

Trainer & Jockey Form (Recent Card Horses)

Name	Starters Today	ITM %
Genaro Garcia Trainer 4 starters across card (Race 2, 4, 6, 7) — no form strings available to assess recent ITM. Active barn at HSI with multiple 2YO fillies suggesting development focus.	4	0%
Michelle L. Elliott Trainer 3 starters on card (Races 3, 4, 7) — no form strings available. Consistent presence at Horseshoe Indianapolis meet.	3	0%
Cipriano Contreras Trainer 3 starters (Races 2, 4, 7) — no form strings available. Running Spring Loaded (4/1), Gdoubleyou (4/1), and Cloudless Day (10/1). Has two live prices on card.	3	0%
Jay J. Holden Trainer 3 starters (Races 3, 7, 8) — Dewey Oxburger, Cover Art (NR), Figurine. Cover Art scratched Race 7. No form strings available.	3	0%
Aaron M. West Trainer 2 starters — Dreamy Justice (Race 6, 6/1) and Windy Storm (Race 7, 20/1). No form strings available.	2	0%
Anthony J. Granitz Trainer 2 starters — Jailhouse Justice (Race 5, 9/2) and Cafe Embrace (Race 8, 6/1). Both route runners, interesting double. No form strings available.	2	0%
Tianna Richardville Trainer 2 starters — Stella's Mischief (Race 2, 5/2) and Exquisite Justice (Race 6, 8/1). Both 2YO fillies sprinting. No form strings available.	2	0%
Pavel Matejka Trainer 2 starters — Watch the Law (Race 4, 20/1) and Accredit (Race 5, 5/2). Accredit is the live one at a reasonable price in the mile. No form strings available.	2	0%
Felix Barraza Trainer 2 starters in Race 9 quarter horse race — Lb Favorite Delight (6/1) and Jess Knew (8/1). Barn has both runners in the same event, split strategy possible.	2	0%
Claudio Barraza Trainer 2 starters in Race 9 — Dare to Fly (5/1) and Three Eyed Candy (2/1 favorite). Controls the top two prices in the quarter horse sprint; strong barn position.	2	0%
Jessica A. Vazquez Trainer 2 starters in Race 9 — Hf Firecracker (9/2) and Gv Little Guy (8/1). Dual entry in the quarter horse sprint.	2	0%
Walter A. Rodriguez Jockey 4 mounts on card (Races 2, 3, 4, 8) — aboard Liams Fancy (2/1 fav, Race 2), Viral Plane Lady (12/1, Race 1 — scratch check), Berniedott (8/1), Ruby Regent (4/1). Top book on the Horseshoe meet. Liams Fancy and Ruby Regent are the live rides.	4	0%
Emmanuel Esquivel Jockey 4 mounts — Spring Loaded (Race 2, 4/1), Gdoubleyou (Race 4, 4/1), Gunzo (Race 3, 9/2), Cloudless Day (Race 7, 10/1). Has two 4/1 shots and a 9/2 — solid book. Watch for Contreras/Esquivel combo in Races 2 and 4.	4	0%
Alberto Burgos Jockey 4 mounts — Night Kiss (Race 1, 5/1), Run David Run (Race 4, 9/2), Soxit Toem (Race 6, 20/1), Sono Bella (Race 8, 12/1). Live on Night Kiss and Run David Run.	4	0%
Joseph C. Bealmear Jockey 4 mounts — Dewey Oxburger (Race 3, 12/1), Watch the Law (Race 4, 20/1), Amy El (Race 7, 9/2), Royal Scarlett (Race 8, 30/1). Amy El is his most live mount at 9/2.	4	0%
Alex Achard Jockey 4 mounts — Cause Ima Boss (Race 4, 8/1), Jailhouse Justice (Race 5, 9/2), J's Alley Cat (Race 6, 5/1), Obvious Agenda (Race 7, 6/1). Jailhouse Justice and Obvious Agenda are the top plays.	4	0%
Fernando De La Cruz Jockey 4 mounts — Seen You Later (Race 3, 5/2), Windy Storm (Race 7, 20/1), Dinero Destroyer (Race 6, 12/1), Takeitandrun (Race 5 — NR/scratched). Seen You Later is his prime mount.	4	0%
Joseph D. Ramos Jockey 3 mounts — Stella's Mischief (Race 2, 5/2), Cardinal Union (Race 4, 6/1), Dreamy Justice (Race 6, 6/1). Solid book led by the 5/2 shot in the 2YO filly sprint.	3	0%
Amir Mendoza Jockey 3 mounts — C C's Gift (Race 2, 6/1), Once More (Race 7, 7/2), Moonshining Mama (Race 6, 4/1). Once More and Moonshining Mama are his live rides.	3	0%
Danny Sheehy Jockey 3 mounts — Justhappytobehere (Race 5, 4/1), Golden Creek (Race 7, 20/1), Rhapsody in Motion (Race 8, 8/1). Justhappytobehere is his top mount.	3	0%
Santo Sanjur Jockey 3 mounts — Infinite Speed (Race 3, 10/1), Lil Gitana (Race 6, 6/1), Royal Tiara (Race 7, 20/1). Modest book — Lil Gitana most interesting in the 2YO filly race.	3	0%
Mitchell Murrill Jockey 3 mounts — Barca Billy (Race 3, 6/1), Go Bali Go (Race 5, 5/1), Speightsy Rival (Race 8, 20/1). Go Bali Go at 5/1 in the mile is his best shot.	3	0%
Joseph M. Romero Jockey 3 mounts — Parker (Race 3, 7/2), Moon Lite Girl (Race 7, 20/1), Lavish Justice (Race 7 — NR). Parker at 7/2 in the route is his best mount.	3	0%
Irving Moncada Jockey 2 mounts — Tank Walk (Race 3, 12/1) and Symbol (Race 4, 6/1). Symbol at 6/1 in the 6f open is the better ride.	2	0%
Marcelino Pedroza Jr. Jockey 3 mounts — Whatdoyouthinkmark (Race 5, 8/1), Athena the Swift (Race 7, 15/1), Cafe Embrace (Race 8, 6/1). Cafe Embrace in the 1 1/16M is his most interesting assignment under Granitz.	3	0%
Samuel E. Bermudez Jockey 2 mounts — Cover Art (Race 7, NR/scratched) and Figurine (Race 8, 20/1). Effectively one live mount on the card.	2	0%

Horses to Watch Next Time

Cinquante Cinq (IRE) Post 2

Riley Mott is a top-tier trainer. An Irish-bred in a regional synthetic route is a classic overlay spot. If she handles the track, she could be a major player going forward at better prices.

Bet Next Time

Pinpointed Post 10

Quality trainer spotting a horse at a regional track at 6/1 is a classic value angle. If Harty ships to Horseshoe, he expects to be competitive. Watch final results closely.

Bet Next Time

Hold Your Breath Post 6

Servis is a respected conditioner rarely placing horses in spots without confidence. At 7/5, the market agrees. If she wins impressively, note the time and manner — she could step up in class.

Bet Next Time

Liams Fancy Post 1

2/1 ML favorite trained by a proven Midwest conditioner in a 2YO maiden. If she wins or runs a strong second, she's a target next out at potentially tighter odds in better company.

Bet Next Time

Three Eyed Candy Post 4

2/1 ML favorite with a trainer doubling up in the same race — classic 'main shooter' pattern. If she shows gate speed and wins, she's a prime candidate to follow on the QH circuit.

Bet Next Time

Takeitandrun Post 9

A 3/5 ML favorite scratching raises questions — injury, trainer's choice of better spot, or travel concerns. When this horse resurfaces, it will likely be well-bet and should be respected as a major player.

Bet Next Time

Ruby Regent Post 4

Second choice in a strong 12-runner field. If she fires, she validates form at the route distance on synthetic. Watch for a strong pace-pressing trip to confirm routing ability.

Bet Next Time

Pedigree Alerts

🧬

Cinquante Cinq (IRE) by Unknown (European-bred)

Irish-bred horses carry European pedigree lines (Galileo, Frankel, Kingman, etc.) built for turf and synthetic surfaces. Running on Horseshoe's synthetic is effectively a home surface for this type. Significant pedigree advantage over dirt-bred rivals.

🧬

Silver Curlin by Curlin (likely)

If by Curlin, this filly carries elite stamina genetics. At 30/1 in Race 8, she is almost certainly outclassed or out of form, but Curlin-bred fillies at route distances should never be completely dismissed. Watch for a forward move if pace collapses.

🧬

Stella's Mischief by Into Mischief (likely)

The name 'Mischief' strongly suggests Into Mischief breeding — the dominant American dirt sire. In a 2YO filly maiden on synthetic, Into Mischief runners have early speed and often break their maiden first or second out. At 5/2, she's a key player to follow if she doesn't win today.

🧬

Moonshining Mama by Unknown

4/1 ML favorite in Race 6 (2YO Filly Maiden, 5.5F) trained by Genaro Garcia — a high-volume barn. Garcia running two horses in the same race (Miss Unbridled 15/1, Moonshining Mama 4/1) suggests Moonshining Mama is the stable's main entry. Watch her debut performance closely for future form reference.

🧬

Gdoubleyou by Unknown (name suggests 'GW' — possible Ghostzapper or Gun Runner connection)

If by a Ghostzapper or Gun Runner stallion, this horse has elite dirt sprint pedigree. At 4/1 in Race 4 on synthetic, a Gun Runner-line runner has natural surface affinity. Contreras training adds barn confidence. Key watch for future dirt sprint opportunities.

🧬

Speightsy Rival by Speightstown (likely)

Speightstown is a premier dirt sprint sire — his offspring are classic quick-twitch sprinters. Running Speightsy Rival in a 1 1/16M route at 20/1 suggests a distance mismatch. If this horse returns to 6F or shorter on dirt, the pedigree alignment dramatically improves. Flag for sprint races.

Value Pick

Overlay Play of the Card

Cinquante Cinq (IRE)

9-1

Race 8 • Dirt Route

Riley Mott is a Hall of Fame caliber conditioner who does not ship horses to Horseshoe Indianapolis without intent. An Irish-bred runner (IRE suffix) in a F&M route at a regional Midwest track is a classic 'big barn slumming' setup. The 9/2 morning line almost certainly understates the value once you factor in Mott's win rate with layoff or surface-switch horses at this level of company. The field is littered with 20/1 and 30/1 shots suggesting genuine class superiority at the top.

Riley Mott trainer angle — elite connections at a soft spot European-bred runners often improve routing on American dirt once they settle Multiple 30/1 shots in the field compress the class gap significantly

Win Probability by Bet

TrainerClaudio Barraza's Three Eyed Candy to WIN in Race 9 (350Y Quarter Horse)

45%

Trainer / JockeyHold Your Breath to WIN in Race 1 (5.5F F&M)

42%

TrainerRiley Mott's Cinquante Cinq (IRE) to WIN or place in Race 8 (1 1/16M F&M)

38%

Trainer / PedigreeLiams Fancy to WIN in Race 2 (5.5F 2YO Fillies Maiden)

35%

TrainerEoin Harty's Pinpointed to WIN or place in Race 8 (1 1/16M F&M)

28%

Actionable Bets for Today

Trainer • Dirt Sprint (Quarter Horse)

Claudio Barraza's Three Eyed Candy to WIN in Race 9 (350Y Quarter Horse)

High

Trainer Claudio Barraza runs two of eight entries in Race 9 — controlling 25% of the field. In Quarter Horse racing, a barn doubling up almost always has a preferred runner, and Three Eyed Candy at 2/1 ML is clearly that horse. Quarter Horse specialists with multiple entrants have a massive tactical and informational advantage over the field. The 2/1 morning line reflects legitimate market respect.

Trainer doubles up = informational edge 2/1 ML = market validated QH specialist barn vs. generalist competition 350Y is pure gate-to-wire — barn knowledge critical

Trainer • Synthetic Route

Riley Mott's Cinquante Cinq (IRE) to WIN or place in Race 8 (1 1/16M F&M)

High

A nationally recognized trainer (Riley Mott) shipping an Irish-bred filly to a regional synthetic track is a textbook overlay angle. Irish/European-bred horses consistently outperform on synthetic surfaces due to the turf-like footing. At 9/2 ML in a 12-runner field with four 30/1 bombs, the effective competition is much smaller than the field size suggests. Mott rarely ships without ammunition.

Elite trainer at regional track = class drop advantage IRE suffix = European pedigree suits synthetic 9/2 is fair value given connections 12-runner field inflated by 30/1 non-threats

Trainer / Jockey • Synthetic Sprint

Hold Your Breath to WIN in Race 1 (5.5F F&M)

High

John C. Servis — the trainer of Smarty Jones — running a horse at 7/5 ML in a regional F&M sprint is a significant confidence signal. The market has installed her as a heavy favorite for good reason. In a seven-horse field, a sharp horse from a quality conditioner at a short price is worth backing at face value. The 7/5 implies roughly 58% win probability — take it.

John C. Servis is a nationally respected trainer 7/5 ML = market consensus heavy favorite 7-horse field limits upset probability F&M sprint on synthetic suits horses with class edge

Trainer / Pedigree • Synthetic Sprint

Liams Fancy to WIN in Race 2 (5.5F 2YO Fillies Maiden)

Medium

Larry Rivelli is one of the most consistent Midwest circuit trainers for 2YO maiden development. At 2/1 ML with Walter A. Rodriguez up, Liams Fancy has the strongest connections in the race. Two-year-old maiden sprints are inherently volatile, but backing the top trainer/jockey combo at the ML favorite price in a six-horse field is the percentage play. Rivelli's 2YO success rate at Indiana-area tracks is well-documented.

Larry Rivelli = proven Midwest 2YO trainer Walter Rodriguez = top local jockey 2/1 in 6-horse field is workable value Smallest field on card reduces upset risk

Trainer • Synthetic Route

Eoin Harty's Pinpointed to WIN or place in Race 8 (1 1/16M F&M)

Medium

Eoin Harty is a California-based trainer with significant synthetic and turf route experience. Shipping to Horseshoe Indianapolis at 6/1 in a field loaded with 20/1 and 30/1 long-shots signals a deliberate placement. Quality trainers at regional tracks often find soft spots — this is a classic 'class angle' where the horse's best recent form likely outclasses the field. Use in exactas and trifectas beneath Cinquante Cinq and Ruby Regent.

Quality West Coast trainer = class advantage 6/1 is fair value for connections quality 12-runner field with multiple 30/1 non-factors Synthetic surface suits California-trained horses

Longshot Special

Underdog ITM Pick • 10-1 or Longer

Cafe Embrace

6-1

Race 8 • Dirt Route

Trained by Anthony J. Granitz, who also saddles Jailhouse Justice in the mile earlier on the card — a trainer who double-dips on a card often has his horses sharp and fit. Marcelino Pedroza Jr. gets the call, a jockey with local circuit experience. At 6/1 in a 12-runner field with four 20/1+ shots eating up pool money, Cafe Embrace has a realistic ITM path if the pace collapses in the stretch of the 1 1/16M. The public will be drawn to the Mott/Mott-adjacent horses, leaving this one overlaid.

Trainer Granitz double on the card signals barn sharpness Pedroza Jr. has local circuit knowledge at Horseshoe Indianapolis 4 runners at 20/1 or longer distort the pool, inflating value on mid-priced horses

Key Takeaways

1. QUALITY TRAINER ANGLE IS KING TODAY: Riley Mott, Eoin Harty, John C. Servis, and Brendan Walsh — all nationally respected conditioners — are running horses at a regional track. When elite trainers show up at Horseshoe Indianapolis, they typically bring sharp horses in good spots. Cinquante Cinq (IRE) at 9/2 and Pinpointed at 6/1 are the two highest-value plays on the card using this lens.

2. QUARTER HORSE RACE 9 IS A BINARY BET: The 350Y Quarter Horse race requires specialized knowledge — trainer Claudio Barraza doubling up with Two Eyed Candy (2/1) and Dare to Fly (5/1) makes Three Eyed Candy the clearcut single. Back her straight up; the 2/1 price is fair for a barn with a tactical information advantage and 25% of the field.

3. RACE 8 IS THE CARD'S BEST EXOTIC TARGET: A 12-runner F&M route with four 30/1 and two 20/1 bomb entries creates massive superfecta value. Structure trifectas and superfectas around Cinquante Cinq (IRE), Ruby Regent, and Pinpointed — three quality-connected horses at 4/1 to 9/2 — while including the 30/1 shots minimally for bottom positions. The Takeitandrun scratch in Race 5 has reshuffled pace dynamics — monitor who inherits the role of pace-setter in that wide-open route.