By Steve Sherack
Wathnan Racing's Leading Change (Gun Runner), a 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' debut winner at Churchill Downs June 7, heads straight to the big leagues for Brad Cox in Saturday's GIII Indiana Derby.
The $800,000 Keeneland September graduate and half-brother to GI Kentucky Oaks heroine Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil) romped by 6 1/2 lengths in his unveiling going seven furlongs, good for a 92 Beyer Speed Figure. He makes his two-turn debut with Irad Ortiz, Jr. in the irons at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
“Before he ran, he's one that had me dreaming a little bit about what he could do,” said Cox, who will also saddle 9-5 morning-line favorite and fellow 'Rising Star' Prom Queen (Quality Road) on the undercard in the GIII Indiana Oaks.
“Obviously, this is a big ask from winning your maiden first time out to a graded stakes around two turns. But I just like the idea of getting him around two turns. I think it's what he's meant to do.”
The Indiana Derby field also includes: GIII Matt Winn S. runner-up Our Moneyman (Mr. Money); Delaware Derby runner-up Out of the Woods (Constitution); and 18-length Louisiana Legends Cheval S. winner Creole Chrome (Volatile).
Morning-line favorite Desert Gate (Omaha Beach) will scratch in favor of Saturday's $250,000 Iowa Derby at Prairie Meadows.
Saturday's graded stakes action also includes: the GII Caress S. and GII Bowling Green S. at Saratoga; and the GIII Prairie Meadows Cornhusker H.
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