Indiana’s richest turf race, the $200,000-guaranteed Caesars Stakes (Listed), has drawn 35 nominations. The 14th running of the event will take place Wednesday, Sept. 4 at Indiana Grand.
More than a dozen horses on the list have Graded Stakes experience, including the French-bred colt The Black Album from the Rodolphe Brisset Stable. The Wootton Bassett sophomore ran in the $1 million Grade 1 Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf at Churchill Downs last fall. A turf specialist, The Black Album comes into Indiana off a fifth place finish in the $100,000 Mahony Stakes at Saratoga and was a winner in the $100,000 Charlie Barley Stakes at Woodbine two starts back.
Joining The Black Album on the nomination list is Grey Magician, who finished second in the 2019 Grade 3 Indiana Derby. The Kentucky bred son of Graydar was a winner in his last start at Ellis Park in the $100,000 Ellis Park Derby. Trained by Peter Miller, Gray Magician, who was a starter in the Kentucky Derby earlier this spring, has yet to compete over the turf.
Faraway Kitten from the Mike Maker Stable may also be found on the nomination list for the Caesars Stakes. A turf specialist, the Kitten’s Joy colt ran seventh in his last start in the Grade 1 $500,000 Secretariat Stakes at Arlington Park. Prior to that start, he was a winner in the Grade 3 American Derby, also at Arlington Park.
The Caesars Stakes will be joined by the $200,000-guaranteed Indiana Grand Stakes, also Listed. A total of 38 three-year-old fillies have included their names on the nomination list.
She’sonthewarpath, ridden to victory by Chantel Sutherland in the $100,000 Ta Wee Stakes at Indiana Grand earlier this summer, is nominated from the Steve Margolis barn. Other names on the list include Winter Sunset from the Wayne Catalano barn, a second place finisher in the Grade 3 Regret Stakes over the turf at Churchill Downs and With Dignity, a starter in the $200,000 Grade 3 Indiana Oaks in mid-July at Indiana Grand.
The 2019 running of the Caesars Stakes will mark the second season for the race under the name change. Prior to 2018, the race was run as the Centaur Stakes. Peter Lurie, nationally known racing analyst, will be trackside during the day to assist with handicapping for the afternoon racing program that begins at 2:15 p.m.
Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing continues through Wednesday, Nov. 6. Racing is conducted Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 2:15 p.m. and Saturday at 6:15 p.m.
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