Cupid Takes Shot at Indiana Derby
Cupid will face 11 rivals in the Indiana Derby on Saturday and he’s no cinch. In fact, at 3 to 1, he’s not even favored to win the G2 $500,000 highlight of the Indiana Grand meet.
Earlier in the year Cupid was on a course to the Kentucky Derby after his winning performance in the Rebel at Oaklawn. But a month later when he returned as the favorite in the Arkansas Derby to finish 10th, all signs led to trouble ahead.
As it turned out, a breathing problem was to blame for his Arkansas Derby dud finish and surgery was performed to correct the problem going into the Easy Goer on the Belmont Stakes under card. Where and when he failed to hit the mark again finishing far back in fifth — and last.
Cupid Second Choice in Indiana Derby
The full field for the 1 1/16-mile Indiana Derby, in post-position order with jockeys and odds, is: Discreet Lover (Jose Flores, 20-1), Cherry Wine (Luis Saez, 5-2), Pilot House (Richard Bracho, 10-1), Takeittotheedge (Miguel Mena, 15-1), The Player (Shaun Bridgmohan, 6-1), Cocked and Loaded (Willie Martinez, 30-1), Seeking Blame (Brian Hernandez Jr., 15-1), Whateverybodywants (Robby Albarado, 12-1), Torrontes (Albin Jimenez, 20-1), Call the Colonel (Santo Sanjur, 20-1), Cupid (Rafael Bejarano, 3-1), and Star Hill (Corey Lanerie, 6-1).
Cupid drew post position 11 in the field of 12 for the 1 1/16 miles distance and will have Rafael Bejarano in the saddle for the first time as trainer Bob Baffert seeks to get Cupid to fire another big one and give Baffert his fourth Indiana Derby win.
Cupid has been the odds on favorite in 4 of his 6 races to date, but if misfires again, the love affair bettors have had for him at the window will no doubt be one that’s soon forgotten.
Indiana Derby past performances from Brisnet
DRF Free Past Performances for the Indiana Derby
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