Power Broker Strong In Indiana Derby Victory
In the 19th running of the grade II $500,000 Indiana Derby, Bob Baffert’s talented colt Power Broker showed his class by out dueling the up and coming long-shot Bradester. The son of Pulpit showed signs of vulnerability acting up in the paddock but that is no surprise to anyone that has followed his career, as he often gets excited. The Indiana Downs sloppy main track played towards closers all day which also added some doubt to Power Broker’s chances, but the classy colt silenced all doubters.
Under darkened skies and slight rain, the Indiana Derby participants broke out of the gate to a clean start. As expected, speedster Ruler of Love, under Calvin Borel, led the Derby field through the first quarter mile in 24.03. Bradester, the 8-1 longshot pressured on the outside followed by the Canadian Champion, Uncaptured. Power Broker searched for racing room on the rail as they went through the half mile in 47.06. Martin Garcia guided the 8/5 favorite to the middle of the track as Power Broker responded with a relentless turn of foot while splitting horses and eventually drawing off to a 1 ¾ length victory in a time of 1:41.95. Bradester ran a very game second, a ½ length ahead of the fast closing James Cassidy trainee Holy Lute.
Bob Baffert who was shut out last year on Indiana Derby day at Hoosier Park looked for redemption in this year’s Derby after Fiftyshadesofhay’s disappointing and shocking 3rd place finish in this year’s Indiana Oaks. Power Broker followed through with a big performance. Indiana Derby winning Jockey Martin Garcia said “My horse is really good. I tried to keep it clean and when I could I went to the outside and he ran great.” Assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes said “When he broke I had visions of the last race but Martin Garcia basically won the race midway through.”
Power Broker is finally living up to his potential. Baffert has always been high on this colt saying he was the best 2 year old in his barn last year. The Gary and Mary West owned colt was dazzling in the Easy Goer stakes at Belmont Park and he followed that up with a good 2nd place finish in the Haskell behind Verrazano, who freaked on the Monmouth Park surface. If Power Broker comes out of the race okay he could definitely contend for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile or even take a swing at the Classic.
Indiana Derby 2013 will go down as one of the best in the 19 year history of the event. HRTV Personality Peter Laurie was on hand to do winner circle interviews and the handicapping show with Bill Downes. Horse Player Now was on hand to educate new fans on how to handicap and wager. Food tents were set up outside, along with temporary seating. Three massive projection televisions screens were set up around the grand stand to insure all fans got to see each race unfold. The weather even cooperated for most of the day with just brief rain a mere 15 minutes before the derby. What a great day for Indiana racing!