Mr Michel, Delreys Wagon Train head Leader of the Class Futurity Trials

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Aug. 24, 2021) – Two trials will close out the Wednesday, Aug. 25 racing program for the ninth running of the Leader of the Class Sale Futurity at Indiana Grand. The trials, carded as Race 10 and 11, will be conducted between 2 and 3 p.m. due to the post time alteration. With forecasted extreme heat on Wednesday, Aug. 25 and Thursday, Aug. 26, Indiana Grand has moved up post times for each of those days to 10 a.m.

The trials are for two-year-olds who sold as a yearling at the 2020 Speed Sale or as a weanling at the 2019 Speed Sale. Heading the first trial is Mr Michel from the Claudio Barraza barn. The Kiss My Hocks sorrel gelding sold last year as a yearling for $17.500. Bred by Mark Michel, the Indiana bred is now owned by Alberto Valadez and will make his fourth career start in the trial. He starts from post eight with jockey Erik Esqueda aboard at odds of 6-5.

Joining Mr Michel as a favorite in the first trial is Alota Lovin from the Randy Smith Stable. The Lota PYC filly is owned and bred by Walter “Dick” Harrison. She makes her fifth start in the trial, turning in two second place finishes thus far. She starts from post three with Sammy Mendez aboard at odds of 9-2.

The second trial is highlighted by Delreys Wagon Train, trained by Tony Cunningham. The Freighttrain B filly has one win and one second in three starts for owner Pattie Marshall. Delreys Wagon Train starts from post nine at odds of 5-2 with L.D. “Danny” Martinez aboard.

The two trials will set up the $100,000 Leader of the Class Futurity final slated for Wednesday, Sept. 15, just a few days before the 2021 QHRAI Speed Sale to be held at Indiana Grand in the Receiving Barn Saturday, Sept. 18. The 11th annual event, which has produced over $3 million in earnings by Speed Sale graduates, begins at Noon.

Photos by Coady Photography