Independence Rise re-routed to Iowa Derby

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – Independence Rise, who was a dominant winner of the Turf Paradise Derby, could make his next start in the Iowa Derby at Prairie Meadows, according to his trainer, Robertino Diodoro.

Independence Rise is now based at Lone Star Park. He had been working toward an intended start in the Texas Derby, which will be run Monday,

“Unfortunately, we had to miss the Texas Derby,” trainer Robertino Diodoro said. “His last couple of works he was just not himself, so we drew blood and he had a couple of things a little bit off. So we’re going to make sure he’s 100 percent ready to go.”

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Diodoro said the next goal will be the Iowa Derby, which is in July.

Independence Rise is out of the mare Wake Me Up, who is a half-sister to champion and past Iowa Derby winner Hansen.

Independence Rise is 3 for 4. He won the Turf Paradise Derby by 8 3/4 lengths.

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