The $100,000 Bucchero Handicap at Horseshoe Indianapolis promises a thrilling turf showdown over 1 1/16 miles, featuring a competitive field of 14 geldings aged 3 and up. With seasoned turf specialists, rising stars, and pedigrees built for distance, this race is a prime target for bettors and turf racing enthusiasts alike.
Race Overview
Race Name: Bucchero Handicap
Track: Horseshoe Indianapolis
Date & Time: August 20, 2025 – 5:47 PM ET
Surface: Turf
Distance: 1 1/16 miles
Purse: $100,000
Featured Contenders & Pedigree Analysis
| Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree | Morning Line Odds | Key Notes |
| Hoosier Daddy Now | Marcelino Pedroza Jr. | John Langemeier | Charming Kitten × Scatter Point | 4/1 | Back-to-back wins; rail rally specialist |
| Funtastic Vow | Samuel Bermudez | Aaron West | Funtastic × Twin Vows | 5/1 | Strong turf form; 2 wins in last 3 starts |
| Leading the Charge | Orlando Mojica | Chris Block | Suntracer × Dashel | 9/2 | Veteran 8YO with tactical speed |
| Jeopardy Theory | Fernando De La Cruz | Kelsey Danner | Santiva × Holladay Dixie | 6/1 | Versatile runner with stakes experience |
| Run Away Rojo | Keith Asmussen | Steven Asmussen | Run Away and Hide × Aunt Sherri | 8/1 | Trained by Hall of Famer; late kick threat |
| Berlone | Joseph Ramos | Raymond Paquette III | Practical Joke × Hard Mystery | 6/1 | Dominant 5½-length win last out |
| Chicory Blaze | Rodney Prescott | Robert Dobbs Jr. | Alternation × Lady Blue | 10/1 | Won last two; improving 3YO |
Longshots & Value Plays
Jailhouse Justice (15/1): By Harry’s Holiday, this 4YO gelding has shown flashes of talent and could surprise with a clean trip.
Justhappytobehere (20/1): A gritty closer by Jimmy Creed, he upset Jailhouse Justice in June and could repeat with pace up front.
V Max (15/1): Unbridled Express progeny with back-to-back wins; lightly raced and improving.
Trainer & Jockey Insights
Steven Asmussen: One of North America’s winningest trainers, brings tactical depth with Run Away Rojo.
Chris Block: Known for turf conditioning, especially with older horses like Leading the Charge.
Marcelino Pedroza Jr.: A top local rider with strong turf stats, especially aboard Hoosier Daddy Now.
Sophie Doyle: Brings national experience to Anchor Manne, though the horse may need a pace meltdown to contend.
