Irap likely to be top dog in Indiana Derby

Next Saturday’s Grade 3, $500,000 Indiana Derby, to be drawn Wednesday, seems likely to be headed by Ohio Derby winner Irap.

Other starters expected by Indiana Grand stakes coordinator Jeff Johnston include Awesome Saturday, Brockton George, Colonelsdarktemper, Han Sense, Society Beau, Top Credentials, Untrapped, and perhaps Sorry Erik.

Unlikely for the Indiana Derby is Girvin, who was beaten a nose by Irap in the Ohio Derby. Girvin is being pointed for the Haskell, according to trainer Joe Sharp.

The Indiana Derby, a 1 1/16-mile race on the main track, is one of six stakes at Indiana Grand next Saturday, with its sister race, the Grade 3, $200,000 Indiana Oaks, being the other graded stakes that day.

The field for the Oaks is still coming together, Johnston said, with the list of probable starters including Awestruck, Dutch Parrot, Majestic Quality, Mopotism, Overture, and Stonetacular.