Cowboy On the Fly is the morning line favorite in trial one of three to the QHRAI Derby on Saturday

© Coady Media

By Stallionesearch / Louanne Wainscott

SHELBYVILLE, IN–OCTOBER 2, 2025—The spotlight turns to the three-year-old Quarter Horse runners this Thursday at Horseshoe Indianapolis, where three trial heats will be contested to determine the ten fastest qualifiers for the $133,720 QHRAI Derby Finals, set for October 25. A total of 22 sophomores are entered across Races 9, 10, and 11, each traveling 400 yards in pursuit of a berth in the lucrative final.

The first trial, scheduled to go to post at 6:16 PM, features Cowboy On the Fly as the 5-2 morning-line favorite. The seasoned gelding brings a consistent résumé to the gate with three wins and four runner-up finishes from 13 starts, accumulating $195,303 in earnings. Most recently, he checked in third in the $41,000 Horseshoe Indianapolis Derby Challenge Stakes, signaling sharp form heading into this heat.

Sired by Flying Cowboy 123 and out of Don’t Bug the Tres (by Tres Seis), the New York-bred was produced by Edward R. Walsh. He campaigns under the ownership and training of Anthony F. Cunningham, with Luz D. Martinez set to pilot from post three.

In the evening’s final trial—Race 11, with a post time of approximately 7:12 PM—attention shifts to Rr Lotta Runforrobyn, a triple stakes-winning colt aiming to requalify for the QHRAI Derby Finals. The Favorite Cartel colt captured the $34,000 Paul Martin Overnight Stakes and the $41,000 Horseshoe Indianapolis Derby Challenge Stakes, showcasing versatility and class. Despite qualifying for the June edition of the QHRAI Derby, traffic trouble derailed his bid, leaving him out of the money.

Bred in Oklahoma by Reliance Ranches, LLC, Rr Lotta Runforrobyn is out of Lotta Love for Robyn (by First Down Dash) and was a $80,000 Heritage Place Sale graduate. He races for A Win Investments and will be saddled by Anthony F. Cunningham, who sends him from post three under Francisco Quintero.

The ten fastest times from Thursday’s trials will advance to the QHRAI Derby Finals, set to be contested under the lights at Horseshoe Indianapolis on October 25, with a purse of $133,720 up for grabs.

With proven stakes horses like Cowboy On the Fly and Rr Lotta Runforrobyn leading the charge, Thursday’s card promises competitive racing and a thrilling preview of what's to come in the final.

The Horseshoe Indianapolis races can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

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