The Sagamore Sired Handicap is set to take place at Horseshoe Indianapolis on May 23, 2025, featuring a competitive field of Indiana-sired three-year-olds racing 5 1/2 furlongs on dirt for a $100,000 purse. This stakes race highlights promising young sprinters bred in Indiana, with several contenders boasting strong pedigrees and experienced connections.
Race Overview
This sprint stakes race presents a mix of speed-focused front-runners, mid-pack stalkers, and late-closing threats, making for an exciting tactical battle. Horseshoe Indianapolis has historically favored early speed in sprints, with 47% of winners in 5-5.5 furlong races showing early pace.
Key Contenders & Analysis
1. Reflex (Slope – Instant Reflection)
- Jockey: Fernando De La Cruz
- Trainer: John Haran
- Breeder/Owner: Jonas Schwartz / Haran Thoroughbreds, LLC
- Analysis: A gelding with solid sprinting influences from Slope, Reflex has shown early speed and could be a strong contender if he breaks well.
2. Rigoberto (Unbridled Express – Katara Princess)
- Jockey: Emmanuel Esquivel
- Trainer: Cipriano Contreras
- Breeder/Owner: Justice Farm, Greg Justice / Contreras Stable, Inc. & Desperado Racing LLC
- Analysis: Comes from the Unbridled Express line, known for speed and versatility. Esquivel’s aggressive riding style could help him dictate the pace early.
3. Booming (Ready’s Image – Imallaboutthatbass)
- Jockey: Gavin Ashton
- Trainer: Michael E. Lauer
- Breeder/Owner: Michael E. Lauer & Penny S. Lauer
- Analysis: A colt with strong dirt sprinting credentials, Booming has shown consistent improvement in speed figures and could be a mid-pack stalker looking to strike late.
4. Unbridled Slope (Slope – Unbridled’s Lady)
- Jockey: Deshawn L. Parker
- Trainer: Devarus Douglass
- Breeder/Owner: Jonas Schwartz / Devarus Douglass
- Analysis: A Slope-bred gelding, he has stamina influences but will need a strong break to stay competitive in this sprint.
5. Tiz Eddie (Sahara Sky – Tiz Athena)
- Jockey: Samuel E. Bermudez
- Trainer: Tomas Medina
- Breeder/Owner: Don R. Hobson / Ellen K. Hobson
- Analysis: A Sahara Sky gelding, Tiz Eddie has shown promise in workouts and could be a late-running threat.
6. Kingsbury Road (Unbridled Express – Glamour Queen)
- Jockey: Eduardo E. Perez
- Trainer: Robert M. Gorham
- Breeder/Owner: Tommy Wente / Mast Thoroughbreds LLC
- Analysis: Another Unbridled Express gelding, Kingsbury Road has early speed potential but will need to sustain his pace through the stretch.
7. Hoosier Daddy Now (Charming Kitten – Scatter Point)
- Jockey: Marcelino Pedroza, Jr.
- Trainer: John L. Langemeier
- Breeder/Owner: Elizabeth Kuhn & Elise Kendall / Stuart G. Kendall
- Analysis: A Charming Kitten gelding, Hoosier Daddy Now has solid turf breeding but will need to prove his dirt sprinting ability.
8. Cringe (Taprize – Joyella)
- Jockey: Alberto Burgos
- Trainer: Scott D. Mullins
- Breeder/Owner: Elliott Ventures / Shim Racing LLC
- Analysis: A Taprize gelding, Cringe has erratic speed figures but could be a wild card in this field.
9. Theo’s Promise (Holiday Promise – G Gs Got the Goods)
- Jockey: Santo Sanjur
- Trainer: Tianna Richardville
- Breeder/Owner: TC Racing Stable / T.C. Racing Stable (Jim Dauby)
- Analysis: A Holiday Promise gelding, Theo’s Promise has shown strong finishing ability and could be a late closer.
10. Oil Man (Turbo Compressor – Nightly Ritual)
- Jockey: Evin A. Roman
- Trainer: Randy L. Klopp
- Breeder/Owner: Liz Klopp
- Analysis: A Turbo Compressor gelding, Oil Man has early speed potential but will need to sustain his pace through the stretch.
11. Tacklin Fuel (Victor’s Cry – Oliwa)
- Jockey: Andres P. Ulloa
- Trainer: Jay J. Holden
- Breeder/Owner: Jay J. Holden & Arven P. Holden / Holden Racing LLP
- Analysis: A Victor’s Cry gelding, Tacklin Fuel has shown promise in workouts and could be a late-running threat.
12. Inclined (Ready’s Image – Hebe’s Victory)
- Jockey: Jane Elliott
- Trainer: Michael E. Lauer
- Breeder/Owner: Michael E. Lauer & Penny S. Lauer
- Analysis: A Ready’s Image colt, Inclined has solid sprinting credentials and could be a mid-pack stalker looking to strike late.
Race Prediction & Betting Insights
- Favorites: Rigoberto, Reflex, Booming
- Potential Upsets: Theo’s Promise, Kingsbury Road
- Best Late Runner: Theo’s Promise
- Projected Winner: Rigoberto – With his early speed and strong jockey-trainer combination, he has the best chance to control the pace and hold off late challengers.
