The Governor’s Handicap, set for July 30, 2025, at Horseshoe Indianapolis, is a premier $250,000 stakes race restricted to Indiana-bred 3-year-olds. Run over 1 mile and 70 yards on dirt, this race features a full field of 12 starters and 4 also-eligibles, showcasing rising talent, deep pedigrees, and tactical matchups that will shape the local stakes landscape.
Race Overview
Race Name: Governor’s Handicap
Track: Horseshoe Indianapolis
Date: July 30, 2025
Distance: 1 mile and 70 yards
Surface: Dirt
Purse: $250,000 (includes $75,000 Indiana TB Development Fund)
Eligibility: Indiana-bred 3-year-olds
Post Time: 5:47 PM ET
Top Contenders – Horses, Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
| PP | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree (Sire – Dam by Dam Sire) | M/L Odds |
| 1 | Sir Bahjy | Marcelino Pedroza Jr. | Genaro Garcia | Bahjatty – Proud Dreamer (Proud Citizen) | 8/1 |
| 2 | Slam Dunk Justice | Santo Sanjur | Genaro Garcia | Harry’s Holiday – Fun Given (Point Given) | 12/1 |
| 5 | Face the Future | Fernando De La Cruz | Daniel Simpson | Maximus Mischief – Street Trick (Street Sense) | 6/1 |
| 9 | Mondavila | Joseph D. Ramos | Randy L. Klopp | Mondavi – Lost Village (Jump Start) | 2/1 |
| 10 | Chicory Blaze | Rodney A. Prescott | Robert E. Dobbs Jr. | Alternation – Lady Blue (Fed Biz) | 5/1 |
| 12 | Mackadoo | Edgar Morales | Gregory D. Foley | Harry’s Holiday – With Wonder (Flatter) | 8/1 |
Pedigree & Performance Insights
Sir Bahjy: By Bahjatty, a rare Indiana stallion with only four named foals. Out of Proud Dreamer, a two-turn winner. Sir Bahjy is 3-for-8 lifetime and exits a stakes win in the Hoosier Breeders’ Sophomore. His Beyer jumped from 59 to 74 last out.
Mondavila: The fastest horse on figures, with back-to-back wins and a strong closing style. Sired by Mondavi, known for producing route-capable runners.
Face the Future: By Maximus Mischief, a precocious sire with stamina. Dam side adds tactical speed. Has shown flashes of brilliance in allowance company.
Chicory Blaze: Alternation progeny often excel at two turns. This colt has won twice in four starts, including a turf victory, but is proven on dirt.
Mackadoo: Versatile runner with turf and dirt experience. Trainer Foley excels with route types, and jockey Morales boasts a 50% in-the-money rate at the meet.
Jockey & Trainer Stats
Joseph D. Ramos: 19.3% win rate, +14 ROI – one of the most efficient riders at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
Marcelino Pedroza Jr.: 16% win rate, 50% ITM – excels with stakes-caliber mounts.
Genaro Garcia: Trains both Sir Bahjy and Slam Dunk Justice; known for developing Indiana-bred stakes winners.
Tactical Race Setup
Pace Scenario: Expect early speed from Slam Dunk Justice and Face the Future. Mondavila and Chicory Blaze will stalk, while Sir Bahjy and Mackadoo may rally late.
Post Position Impact: Wide draws (10–12) are manageable at this distance, but early positioning will be key.
