Indiana Grand Wednesday: Bucchero and Peony Picks

UPDATE: Due to extreme heat Indiana Grand will be moving their post times up 3 hours and 45 minutes on both Wednesday and Thursday.

Indiana Grand has an interesting Wednesday card with 2 stakes races. The Bucchero and the Peony Stakes will highlight the 11 race card. Races can be streamed live through any online wagering platform such as Twinspires.

Indiana Grand Gets Innovative

Horse racing has gained a ton of new fans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Indiana Grand has embraced this on their track feed by providing a number of revolutionary initiatives.

Indiana Grand Drone

One thing racing fans will notice is their extensive use of a drone cam. While it provides a cool view of the starting gate pre-race, the real magic comes when there is a dispute on the race track.

With the drone overhead players can get a bird’s eye view of who came out or who came in and how much. This helps eliminate the issue of not having cameras in the proper angle to see exactly what happened.

Steward’s Review at Indiana Grand

Another groundbreaking part of the Indiana Grand meet is the new Steward’s explanation. At most tracks, if a horse is disqualified players are left to determine on their own why the horse was taken down. Not in Indiana.

Indiana Grand has the steward come on the track feed and explain exactly why they made the decision they did. This brings clarity to the player even if they may not agree with the decision.

Indiana Grand Meet Stats and Trends

Jockeys and Trainers

Jockeys

• Marcelino Pedroza (57 wins)
• Samuel E. Bermudez (51 Wins)
• Deshawn L. Parker (47 Wins)
• Joseph D. Ramos (45 Wins)
• Santo Sanjur and Fernando De La Cruz (38 wins)

Trainers

• Randy L. Klopp (33 Wins)
• Genaro Garcia (30 Wins)
• Michael E. Lauer(25 Wins)
• Kim Hammond (23 Wins)
• Marvin A. Johnson (19 Wins)

Indiana Grand Trends

While the dirt course is typically speed favoring, early speed has been stopping of late. The last 4 race days from Indiana Grand have produced a number of speed and fade horses with most dirt races being won from off the pace. Look for horses that like to sit between 1 and 3 lengths off the lead until the stretch.

On turf, Indiana Grand runs mostly route races. In these events late speed has been overwhelmingly successful. The ideal runner will sit 5 or more lengths off the pace and come home with a great kick.

Indiana Grand Wednesday Analysis

Race 1

Post: 2:25 PM ET; Purse: $14,500 Claiming, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 6

#6 POLO ART will kick off the card boasting the best record at the distance. #3 WAR ACT is 10-1 on the morning line and would be a steal at that price. He is tied for the top recent speed figures and is in great form. The race favorite #4 CABOT TRAIL has the highest power rating in the group and against low level claimers that just may be enough. As an absolute bomb, I like the #1 ARTEGON who has the top connections in the race and a good rail draw.

• Selections: 6-3-4-1

Race 2

Post: 2:56 PM ET; Purse: $38,000 Allowance Optional Claiming, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 6

In Indiana Grand’s 2nd race #2 FLOWERPECKER may get the best run of the group and has the top recent speed figure in the group. #4 ROBTHERICH has been in great form and like the #2 could get the right race flow to score here. The #3 horse is MR. QUALITY and he appears to be just that against this group, showing the top class figures in the race. Favorite #1 HURRICANE HIGHWAY has a pace edge on the group, but doesn’t provide much value.

• Selections: 2-4-3-1

Race 3

Post: 3:27 PM ET; Purse: $32,000 Starter Optional Claiming, 1 Mile on Turf; Entries: 10

This race includes 3 Main Track Only runners in the 8,9, and 10. If the race stays on the turf the top 2 choices are logical here. Slight preference is given to #5 SNIPER KITTEN who rates highest in class, stamina, and pace. #6 IMPERIAL MISSION is best on form and has a big shot here. If the race comes off the Indiana Grand turf look for #9 BLUERIDGE MOUNTAIN to draw in and be dangerous.

• Selections: 5-6-9-3

Race 4

Post: 3:58 PM ET; Purse: $14,000 Claiming, 1 Mile on Dirt; Entries: 8

#3 BENNY’S LEGACY looks tough in this spot. Since the top spot looks formful I will seek prices underneath. #6 BOAT WAMPUM is 30-1 and has posted the best recent speed figure. The horse is also cycling up. #2 HEZA MISCHIEF is another long shot in with a shot to hit the board here.

• Selections: 3-6-2-1 (Best Bet #3)

Race 5

Post: 4:29 PM ET; Purse: $41,000 Allowance, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 7

Continuing the emphasis on favorites the #1 BAYOU CAT and #2 THATSWHATITHOUGHT seem like the right 2 horses to be at the top of the market. Maybe if they cannot deliver the #7 ROCK N JUNE BUG will be able to get the job done at 9-2, but it seems like a better price would be needed to justify inclusion.

• Selections: 2-1-7-5

Race 6

Post: 5:00 PM ET; Purse: $32,000 Starter Optional Claiming, 5 Furlongs on Turf; Entries: 8

The 6th from Indiana Grand has the feel of a pretty open race. #1 THREATLEVELMIDNIGHT may be a hunch play for fans of The Office, but is in with a real chance cycling up in form. The #8 CREATIVE CREDIT is the tepid favorite and has the best recent speed, stamina, and class rating in the group. #2 PICANTE CALIENTE has the best connections in the race. If the pace falls apart, which it very well may given the speed signed on, look for #4 JE SUIS BELLE to pass them all late.

• Selections: 1-8-2-4

Race 7

Post: 5:31 PM ET; Purse: $38,500 Maiden Special Weight, 5 1/2 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 9

#3 BELLA BOLLE looks to be the top player here. With 2 year old fillies, it can be hard to predict performance but it seems as though the word may be out on this one. Other players are #1 LIL EVIE (10-1), #2 CAROLYN’S ANGEL (9-2), and #5 NUTHER BEE (30-1) to add a little value to the ticket.

• Selections: 3-1-2-5

Race 8

Post: 6:02 PM ET; Purse: $100,000 Peony S., 1 1/16 Miles on Turf; Entries: 14

#3 BLOODY MARY MORNIN is the 5-2 favorite and looks deserving here. If the favorite doesn’t get the job done look for #10 TIMELESS ROSE to continue cycling up in form at 6-1. The #6 DIAMOND SOLITAIRE is also 6-1 and could get the best rest flow in the group. Rounding out the top selections is #7 BUMBLE OF LOVE with top jock Pedroza in the irons.

• Selections: 3-10-6-7

Race 9

Post: 6:33 PM ET; Purse: $100,000 Bucchero S., 1 1/16 Miles on Turf; Entries: 14

The final thoroughbred event from Indiana Grand is the Bucchero Stakes. #9 STRONG TIDE is a lukewarm favorite at 7-2, but based on my numbers the horse is tops on speed, class, and power rating. I would be willing to keep this horse on top as long as the price stays above 2-1. Outside of the favorite is #12 MAX EXPRESS who gets Pedroza in the saddle with the best record at the distance. #1 CLASSY COWBOY is in great form and may get the best of the race shape. Finally, #4 CASH LOGISTICS is 5-1 and may have a pace advantage if things get hot up front.

• Selections: 9-12-1-4

Race 10

Post: 7:04 PM ET; Purse: $14,000 Trials, 350 Yards on Dirt; Entries: 10

No Analysis provided for quarter horse races.

Race 11

Post: 7:35 PM ET; Purse: $14,000 Trials, 350 Yards on Dirt; Entries: 9

No Analysis provided for quarter horse races.