Our Moneyman Seeks Big Breakthrough in Wide-Open Indiana Derby Following Desert Gate Defection

The Louisiana stakes winner arrives fresh off a runner-up performance behind Further Ado in the Matt Winn Stakes (G3) and looms as one of the leading contenders in the centerpiece event at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Meanwhile, Leading Change faces a massive class hike, stepping into the deep end after just a single career start

SHELBYVILLE, Indiana (Special for Turf Diario).— The near-certain defection of morning-line favorite Desert Gate (Omaha Beach), who is expected to be pointed by trainer Bob Baffert toward the Iowa Derby (L) instead, has blown the race wide open for Saturday's Indiana Derby (G3-1800m, dirt). Offering a $300,000 purse, the centerpiece event at Horseshoe Indianapolis has assembled a competitive cast of sophomore runners looking to establish their credentials just below the elite tier of the American circuit.

At the forefront of the contenders stands Our Moneyman, a homebred racing for Allied Racing Stable. The Bret Calhoun-trained son of Mr. Money enters off a strong runner-up finish behind Further Ado (Gun Runner)—winner of the Blue Grass Stakes (G1)—in the Matt Winn Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs, a performance that highlighted his steady development.

The colt already boasts stakes victories in the Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile Stakes (L) and the Crescent City Derby (L), alongside several stakes placings at Fair Grounds. Partnered with regular rider Axel Concepción, he will attempt to secure the first graded stakes victory of his career.

One of his main adversaries will be Out of the Woods, a son of Constitution trained by Phil D'Amato, who previously defeated Our Moneyman in a Churchill Downs allowance before finishing second in the Delaware Derby (L). Luis Sáez has been booked for the mount.

Considerable expectations also surround Creole Chrome (Volatile), who comes into the race in peak form following a spectacular 18-length romp in the Louisiana Legends Cheval Stakes (L). Conditioned by Joe Sharp and ridden by Junior Alvarado, he has won 3 of his 5 outings this season and brings some of the highest speed figures into the field.

The true wildcard of the race is Leading Change, a pricey son of Gun Runner purchased for $800,000 by Wathnan Racing. Under the care of Brad Cox, the colt only made his racing debut last month, drawing clear for an impressive 6 1/2-length victory at Churchill Downs. He now faces a steep uphill climb, stepping directly from a maiden special weight into a graded stakes event while stretching out around two turns.

"It is a massive challenge and not something we typically do, but we believe he is a horse of immense talent and this distance should prove ideal for him," Cox explained. Irad Ortiz Jr. will handle the riding duties.

With plenty of early speed signed up in the line-up, an honest, tracking pace could play directly into the hands of Our Moneyman's powerful late kick, as he looks to seize the opportunity and prove he is ready to take a major step forward within his generation.