HorseCenter: Indiana Derby and Indiana Oaks top picks

By Brian Zipse and Matt Shifman
Photo:

This week on HorseCenter, Brian Zipse and Matt Shifman turn their attention back to the 3-year-olds for the Indiana Derby and Indiana Oaks from Horseshoe Indianapolis on Saturday.

Dragoon Guard and Stronghold top the Grade 3, $300,000 Indiana Derby. Dragoon Guard comes from the barn of trainer Brad Cox as the impressive winner of his last two starts in a maiden special weight at Keeneland and an allowance at Churchill Downs. He will have to handle two turns for the first time. Stronghold ships to Indiana from California, where he won the Santa Anita Derby (G1) on his way to a seventh-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.

Impel and Band of Gold are the headliners of the $200,000 Indiana Oaks (G3). Impel will be the heavy favorite for Cox after competing successfully with the top 3-year-old fillies in the country. Band of Gold was third in a stakes race at Churchill for Kenny McPeek.

As usual, Matt and Brian provide their picks and analysis for their featured races. Good luck and thanks for watching the show.

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