2025 Checkered Flag Handicap – Race Preview & Analysis
Race Details
Race: Checkered Flag Handicap (Race 7)
Track: Horseshoe Indianapolis, Shelbyville, IN
Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Post Time: 5:16 PM ET
Distance: 6 Furlongs (Dirt)
Purse: $100,000
Conditions: Indiana-Bred Fillies & Mares, 3-Year-Olds & Up
Surface: Fast Dirt (forecasted)
Full Field Breakdown – Horses, Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
1. Crosley (IN)
Trainer: John Langemeier
Jockey: Samuel Bermudez
Pedigree: Pass Rush – Amberly Village, by Flatter
Form: 121-445
Analysis: Speedy filly with early foot, but has faded late in recent tries. Needs a clean break and softer fractions to hang on.
2. Gio’s Baby Girl (IN)
Trainer: Ron Herrell
Jockey: Andres Calleja
Pedigree: Gio Ponti – Quiet by Seven, by Quiet American
Form: 2/17734-
Analysis: Veteran 6-year-old mare making her seasonal debut. Has back class but may need a race off the bench.
3. Three Coats (IN)
Trainer: Michael Lauer
Jockey: Alberto Burgos
Pedigree: Paynter – Triple A, by Archarcharch
Form: 0151-31
Analysis: In sharp form with two wins in last three starts. Tactical speed and versatility make her a major player.
4. The Kid Pataky (IN)
Trainer: Randy Klopp
Jockey: Joseph Ramos
Pedigree: Pataky Kid – Zappita, by Ghostzapper
Form: 211-313
Analysis: Consistent filly with a strong turn of foot. Finished third behind Imagine the Moon last out and could turn the tables with a better trip.
5. Best Cupcake (IN)
Trainer: Michael Lauer
Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
Pedigree: Oscar Performance – Hey There Cupcake, by Prized
Form: 376-808
Analysis: Has struggled in recent starts and needs a pace meltdown to be effective. Outsider.
6. Lil Gin N Class (IN)
Trainer: Tim Eggleston
Jockey: Mitchell Murrill
Pedigree: Coal Front – Ginny’s Classic, by Sky Classic
Form: 2222-11
Analysis: Undefeated in 2025 with back-to-back wins. Dominated last out by 4½ lengths. The one to beat if she maintains form.
7. Imagine the Moon (IN)
Trainer: Antonio Duran
Jockey: Santo Sanjur
Pedigree: Ready’s Image – Themoonandthestars, by Malibu Moon
Form: 3112-81
Analysis: Won this track and trip last out, defeating several rivals in this field. Dangerous if she repeats that effort.
8. Ekati Flatter (IN)
Trainer: Randy Klopp
Jockey: Luis Contreras
Pedigree: Tale of Ekati – Cajolery, by Flatter
Form: 31223-1
Analysis: Versatile mare with a strong closing kick. Won going 5 furlongs in April and stretches back out here.
9. Werk It Wendy (IN)
Trainer: Robert Dobbs Jr.
Jockey: Marcelino Pedroza Jr.
Pedigree: Greeley’s Conquest – Kitty’s Charge, by Exchange Rate
Form: 1214-22
Analysis: Game runner-up to Imagine the Moon last out. Always in the mix and could break through with the right setup.
10. Charged Legacy (IN)
Trainer: Genaro Garcia
Jockey: Emmanuel Esquivel
Pedigree: Take Charge Indy – French Legacy, by Midnight Lute
Form: 14/7870-
Analysis: Lightly raced and inconsistent. Would be a surprise in this deep field.
11. Verry Amelia (IN)
Trainer: Antonio Duran
Jockey: Alex Achard
Pedigree: Verrazano – Flor de Amelia, by Cape Town
Form: 4646-54
Analysis: Veteran mare with back class but has lost a step. Best used underneath in exotics.
Betting Strategy & Race Prediction
Top Pick: Lil Gin N Class – Red-hot form and dominant speed
Main Threat: Imagine the Moon – Proven at the distance and track
Value Play: Three Coats – Peaking at the right time
Exacta Box: 3–6–7
Trifecta: 6–7–4 or 6–3–9
