Scrappy T favored vs. eight

ANDERSON, Ind. - Scrappy T was installed Wednesday as the 5-2 morning-line favorite when a field of nine was drawn for Saturday's Grade 2, $500,000-added Indiana Derby at Hoosier Park Don't Get Mad was made the 7-2 second choice in Hoosier's showcase event.

The 1 1/16-mile Indiana Derby will anchor a special pick 4 added to the wagering menu. The pick 4 will encompass the Hillsdale for 2-year-old Indiana-bred colts and geldings, a second-level allowance, the Gus Grissom for older Indiana-breds, and the Derby.

Scrappy T has not raced since his eventful trip in the Preakness. Scrappy T was leading when he ducked out entering the stretch, almost causing eventual winner Afleet Alex to fall. Scrappy T continued well after the incident to finish a clear second.

Scrappy T, who is trained by Robert Bailes, will break from post 5 in the Indiana Derby under Ramon Dominguez, who also rode him in the Preakness.

Don't Get Mad drew the outside post with Brice Blanc named to ride by trainer Ron Ellis. Don't Get Mad won this spring's Derby Trial and then ran a creditable fourth in the Kentucky Derby the following weekend.

The field for the Indiana Derby, from the rail out, consists of: It's Time to Smile, Thomas Clifton the rider; Thor's Echo, Felipe Martinez; Southern Africa, Tyler Baze; Greater Good, John McKee; Scrappy T; Purim, Mark Guidry; Earths Vain Shadow, Tommy Pompell; Apache Point, no rider named; and Don't Get Mad.

Two stakes on Oaks undercard

Friday's Indiana Breeders' Cup undercard includes the $40,000 City of Anderson Stakes for Indiana-bred 2-year-old fillies at 5 1/2 furlongs and the $40,000 Richmond Stakes for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles.

Spotless Mind heads a field of 12 in the City of Anderson. Spotless Mind won her maiden at Churchill Downs for a $50,000 claiming tag in May. She returned on July 3 but failed to overcome a slow start and finished sixth in the Prairie Gold Lassie Stakes at Prairie Meadows. Shaun Bridgmahon rides for trainer Dale Romans.

In the Richmond Stakes, Ellen's Lucky Star will attempt to extend her win streak in the race to three straight years for trainer Greg Foley.