Drinkinatacartelbar, under jockey Danny Martinez, battles Cadet Ivory for the fastest qualifying time to the $134,700 aguar Rocket Futurity at Horseshoe Indianapolis Thursday.

© Coady Media

SHELBYVILLE, IN–JUNE 27, 2024–Thursday was a Tony Cunningham kind of night at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

The longtime trainer at Horseshoe Indianapolis qualified four finalists for the $134,700 final of the Jaguar Rocket Futurity, including the quickest of four trials, with Drinkinatacartelbar turning in the fastest time.

Drinkinatacartelbar started his journey from post four in the 350-yard trial and was focused from the start for jockey L.D. "Danny" Martinez. The chestnut filly rallied up into contention and was within striking distance of the lead the entire way before taking over in the final strides to score the win by a neck over Cadet Ivory and Edgar Diaz. HF My Fabulous Boy and Hugo Macias finished third.

Drinkinatacartelbar, making only her third career start, scored her first career victory in the race after just missing by a nose in maiden action earlier in June. She was overlooked by the betting public, paying $11.80 for the win in a time of 17.793 with a 6 mph tailwind.

Second-place finisher Cadet Ivory, by champion sire Ivory James, also landed in the second place on the list of qualifiers for the Jaguar Rocket Futurity Final set for Saturday, July 20.

Macho Chick, under jockey Luz Martinez, qualifying in the last trial Thursday. © Coady Media

Drinkinatacartelbar is owned by Brian Elmore and Duke Racing LLC. The Five Bar Cartel filly was a private purchase from breeder Duane Swingley, who campaigned her stakes-placed mother, Tru Lee Quick, to nearly $50,000 in earnings before retiring her to broodmare status.

Cunningham also has the filly's older brother, Cisco Beach, who is already stakes placed and currently racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, adding to his $58,000-plus bankroll.

Cunningham also had another trial winner in Macho Chick, ridden to victory in the last trial of the night by Martinez.

Starting from post two, Macho Chick was solid throughout, leading the field to the wire in 17.897 to remain undefeated in two career starts. TW Trumps Secrets and Diego Villamil Bocanegra finished three-quarters of a length back in second, followed by Rafa and Francisco Quintero for third.

Macho Chick was favored in the trial, paying $3.60 for the win. The filly by first-crop sire KJ Mucho Macho Man is owned by Brian Gunder and was bred by JD IV Farms LLC.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of Jaguar Rocket Futurity qualifiers with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders and jockeys.

Cunningham will saddle four for the final (Drinkinatacartelbar, Macho Chick, WRs Mynameisrip, Rafa) and Natasha Perez will saddle two (TW Trump Secrets, HF Kiss This).

The Jaguar Rocket Futurity Trials kicks off three racing days featuring trials for the upcoming Quarter Horse Stakes Day on Saturday, July 20. The Gordon Mobley Futurity and Heartland Futurity Trials are set for Saturday, June 29. Trials for the Blue River Derby will be held on Tuesday, July 2, to determine the final fields for the finals.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The 22nd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Thursday, Nov. 14. Racing is held Monday through Thursday at 2:10 p.m. Six all Quarter Horse dates are set for 10:45 a.m. Saturdays June 1, June 29, July 20, Aug. 10, Aug. 31, and Oct. 5. Indiana's featured event, the Grade 3 $300,000 Indiana Derby is set for Saturday, July 6 with a first post time of 12 p.m. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis.

About Horseshoe Indianapolis
Horseshoe Indianapolis, owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR), holds multiple awards for customer service, entertainment, gaming, racing, dining, and diversity. Located just minutes from Indianapolis in Shelbyville, Ind., this one-of-a-kind property has wall to wall excitement on the 105,940 square foot gaming floor, featuring more than 1,500 slots and 65 table games along with a state-of-the-art World Series of Poker Room containing 20 tables. In addition, Horseshoe Indianapolis offers the only live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing in the state showcased on a one-mile dirt racecourse and a seven-eighths mile turf course. Simulcast and sports wagering is offered year-round at Caesars Race & Sportsbook, also located on the casino floor, with additional gaming provided at Caesars Race & Sportsbook in Clarksville, Ind. Players can reap benefits from Caesars Rewards, the industry's most lucrative bonus program now offered at more than 50 destinations. Please visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis for more information and find Horseshoe Indianapolis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing at racetracks and 21 or older to gamble at sports books and casinos. Please play responsibly. If you think you or someone you care about may have a gambling problem, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (1-800-994-8448). ©2024 Caesars License Company, LLC.