Hoosier Park Set to Open With an Air of Excitement

Hoosier Park? Meet of champions?

Indeed, plenty of top-flight thoroughbreds have graced the Hoosier Park grounds over the years. Superstars such as – Orientate, Brass Hat, Looking At Lucky, Misremembered, Perfect Drift, Zanjero, Always A Princess, Baghdaria, and Day Dreaming, - to name just a few, have all had their pictures taken in the Hoosier Park Winners circle.

The first Saturday in October, in a small way, has become Indiana's answer to Louisville's first Saturday in May. Indiana Derby day is an event us Hoosiers look forward to every year. Hoosier Park offers over a million dollars in purse money on Derby day.

The buzz starts growing around the track about mid September. Everyone starts speculating on which big name trainer or big name horse will ship in for the Grade II $500,000 Indiana Derby. Not only does Hoosier Park feature the Indiana Derby, they also have the grade III $200,000 Indiana Oaks, which is now run on the same day, not to mention the $100,000 Michael Shaefer Mile.

Last year, Bob Baffert completed the Oaks – Derby double, as Always A Princess cruised in the slop to take the Indiana Oaks, while Preakness winner and Champion 3-year-old colt, Lookin At Lucky closed from last to take an exciting running of the grade II Indiana Derby. Baffert used this as "Lucky's" prep race for the Breeders' Cup Classic, a race in which he finished a respectable 4^{th ,}  beaten a mere 4 lengths by two of the greats of the sport, Blame and Zenyatta.

Baffert has actually won the past two Indiana Derbies, having captured the race with Misremembered in 2009 running. That runner turned in a truly dominant performance. He set a track record for the 8.5 furlong distance. He was visually the most impressive horse I've ever seen win a race at Hoosier Park.

Dynamite trainer and jockey combo – Tom Amoss and Leandro Goncalves look to repeat their victories as leading trainer and rider. The duo is red hot, having taken the Indiana Downs meet by storm. Goncalves won 99 races, over 40 clear of the 2^nd place jock,Fernando De La Cruz. Amoss also cruised to an easy victory as leading trainer, with his trainees winning 32 races.

Goncalves will have a lot of competition as Prairie Meadows jock Terry Thompson will be riding full time at Hoosier. Victor Lebron will also be making a return to the Hoosier state. Victor is a jockey who I, personally, hold in high regard as far as talent goes. And then there's Chris Emigh - definitely be one to watch at Hoosier. The jockey/trainer combo of Chris Emigh and Scott Becker will be one to reckon with as we go late into the meet.

Hoosier Park has everything a gambler and fan could ask for. Top quality racing, a great venue, good customer service, and most of the amenities the major tracks offer. The simulcast facility is located directly in front of the grandstand, so patrons can keep up with all the nation's top races and still only be a few feet away from live racing.

Hoosier Park's casino is adjacent to the race track. So, while you have down time in between races, you can try your luck at the casino games!

Hoosier Park also has several dining options. If you desire a upscale, classy atmosphere, Hoosier Park's Casino has as you covered with the Homestretch Steak House. If you'd rather stay in the race track facility, The Homestretch Club House Dining is for you. They offer a delicious buffet during live racing. There's also a Johnny Rockets if you'd rather just grab a burger.

Indiana racing is getting better and better by the day, owners/trainers/jockeys have picked up on it. It's time the race fans enjoy what Indiana and Hoosier Park has to offer. Mark the first Saturday in October on your calendars and come enjoy a “Derby” atmosphere with amazing racing at Hoosier Park!