Bet on the Indiana Derby
The Indiana Derby was the signature race of the Hoosier Park racing season before moving to Indiana Downs (now called Indiana Grand) in 2013, instantly becoming the big race at its new destination. Thoroughbreds aged three years and older compete on the dirt track, covering a distance of 1-1/16 miles. This race was established in 1995, eventually growing into a Grade 3 event in 2002 before earning designation as a Grade 2 stakes in 2004. As one of the biggest races in Indiana, this derby has fostered development of some of the best horses ever to race in this state.
Indiana Derby Racebooks
Using online racebooks to bet on events such as the Indiana Derby is a great way to get in on the action, especially if you're unable to attend a race in person. Racebooks often have a variety of promotions, such as bonus bets and rebates that attract patronage away from the competition.
| # | Site | DEPOSIT BONUS AND CASH BACK | SITE LINK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  | $250 Free Bet on Props + Head-to-Heads | BET! | |
| #2 |  | 50% up to $1,000 + $25 Risk Free Bet + 7% Rebates | BET! | |
| #3 |  | 100% Sign Up Bonus - Up to $500 | BET! |
* REMINDER! - you must be of legal age in your state or province to legally wager on thoroughbred or harness horse racing. Please bet responsibly!
Indiana Derby Betting Odds
After trying a few different sites, we've found that Bovada provides great bonuses with reasonable rollovers, smooth wagering services and solid weekly rebates. In fact, they offer up to 3% of your bets back on basic win, place and show bets. More complex action, such as trifectas and superfectas, result in up to 5% cashback. If you haven't had a chance, visit Bovada to see their current promotion for newcomers.
2016 Indiana Derby Contenders
Contested over a sloppy track, the 2015 Indiana Derby had the feel of a wide-open race. 7/2 choice Mr.Z, best known for a long list of second and third-place finishes, was fresh off a win in the Ohio Derby and bolted for the early lead with Tiz Shea D tracking in second. As Mr.Z came under a ride entering the far turn, Tiz Shea D (4/1) stayed in pursuit and passed Mr.Z as both runners came wide off the turn. Meanwhile, 7/5 favorite Divining Rod found a spot up the rail and looked momentarily to have the upper-hand, but all three runners dug in as Mr.Z began to re-rally. Tiz Shea D emerged from the trio with a 1 1/4-length victory over Mr.Z who narrowly held on for second over Divining Rod.
2015 Order of Finish: Win Place Show
1st: Tiz Shea D $10.80 $5.40 $3.40
2nd: Mr.Z $4.80 $2.80
3rd: Diving Rod $2.60
(Also Ran: Bold Conquest, Island Town, Far Right, Alabaster, Deliverance Day)
Check back closer to race day for 2016 contenders!
Did you know?
The Indiana Derby offers one of the biggest purses for thoroughbred racing in Indiana, offering a total of $500,000 in prize money. This race is a Grade 2 competition, further bolstering the reputation of this event, drawing some of the best horses from around the United States. Due to its prestige as one of the preeminent races in the state, the Indiana Derby attracts big crowds, resulting in the increased prestige of winning in front of a raucous audience.
The 2006 running of the Indiana Derby saw a dead heat between Cielo Gold and Star Dabbler, which was contested by the camp of the latter thoroughbred. Lookin At Lucky, winner of the 2010 Preakness Stakes and the 2010 Indiana Derby, became the first thoroughbred to race in Indiana while taking a Triple Crown event. This solidified the progress of Indiana thoroughbred racing, part of the legacy of the Indiana Derby. The record time for this race was set in 2009 by Misremembered, posting a time of 1:40.80. Robby Albarado holds the record for most wins by a jockey while trainer Bob Baffert has dominated the recent history of this event, setting a record with his third win in 2013.