10/3 (HOO): Indiana Derby (G3); Schaefer Mile S.

[rpncaine]

Just got this in an e-mail alert. FYI

Anderson, IND. (Sept. 28, 2009) – The Grade II $500,000 Indiana Derby has attracted nominations from 33 three-year-olds. The 15th running of Hoosier Park Racing and Casino’s signature event is set for Saturday, Oct. 3. Post positions will be drawn Wednesday, Sept. 30.

One of the top horses headlining the list of nominations is Charitable Man, who finished fourth in the Belmont Stakes. Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, Charitable Man finished fourth in his last start in the $1 million Grade I Travers Stake. The son of Lemon Drop Kid won the Grade II Peter Pan Stake at Belmont Park earlier this year.

Another top contender on the nomination list is Gone Astray from the Shug McGaughey Stable. The Dixie Union colt romped to more than a nine-length win in his last start in the $1 million Grade II Pennsylvania Derby. With six of his seven starts among the top three in 2009, Gone Astray has the most earnings of the horses nominated to the Indiana Derby, nearly topping the $700,000 barrier this year.

Kensei, winner of the Grade II $500,000 Jim Dandy Stake at Saratoga is also among the horses nominated to the Indiana Derby. The Mr. Greeley son has three wins in six starts for trainer Steve Asmussen and earnings near the $500,000 mark for the year.
The Grade II $500,000 Indiana Derby will be the featured event on the Saturday, Oct. 3 racing program. The race will be complemented by three other stakes on the day, including the 10th running of the $100,000 Michael G. Schaefer Mile, which attracted 27 nominations. Post time for the Indiana Derby is set at approximately 5:15 p.m. as the 11th race on the 13-race card. First post time for the day is 12:45 p.m.