Multiple Stakes Winner Tachas Secret Adds $85,560 Horseshoe Indianapolis Classic To Resume

SHELBYVILLE, IN–AUGUST 8, 2024–Multiple stakes winner Tachas Secret defeated a field of eight other runners in the $85,560 Horseshoe Indianapolis Classic this afternoon at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

The race was delayed when a horse became fractious in the gate, and all runners were backed up. This concerned both trainer Ricardo Martinez and owner Chris Duke, as they hadn’t had particularly good luck when the same situation had happened before.

"She (Tachas Secret) had some issues before when they backed out," said Martinez. "Once she’s in there, she stands well. But when they backed her out and put her back in, she didn’t stand well and didn’t break well. But today when they put her back in, she broke sharp."

Tachas Secret was one of the first out of the gate from post seven and grabbed an early advantage as Classy Looking Chick and Giovani Vazquez-Gomez were pursuing her from the outside. RK Lady Dana and Francisco Quintero were also holding their ground along the inside. As the field got closer to the wire, Tachas Secret hit another gear and lengthened her advantage to win by one length over Classy Looking Chick. RK Lady Dana was the victor of a photo for third.

Jockey Fernando Morin rode the 4-year-old filly to a one-length victory while clocking 19.656 seconds over the 400-yard course, equaling a 101-speed index with a 9 mph tailwind.

Trainer Martinez saddled Tachas Secret to her eighth career win in 18 starts for Duke Racing LLC. The winner of the Born Runner Classic two races back added $47,058 to her bankroll for the victory.

Also bred in Indiana by Martinez, the daughter of multiple stakes sire Habits Secret is out of Sin Tacha Angel by Pyc Paint Your Wagon. Winner of the Blue River Derby and Horseshoe Indianapolis August Overnight last year, Tachas Secret has earned nearly $270,000.

"She's sound, and that is the most important thing in a horse," explained Martinez. "She has stayed in the same stall since she came into train. She is always relaxed and seems to be better."

When decisions are made for the next race, Martinez leans on Duke for the calls.

"We have her entered in the Hoosier Park Classic and nominated into the Indiana Championships this year,"” added Duke. "We will see how she is at the end of the year before we decide if we’ll keep racing her but she’s sound. Today was her best race of the year. She ran straight and she ran strong."

Classy Looking Chick, who finished second, received $8,556 for her effort. Jessica Vazquez trains the Mister Fulton 3-year-old for owner Darryl Murray. Giovani Vazquez Gomez was aboard the Texas-bred out of Menacing Looks by Executive Menace. Scarlett Hill Farms, Inc. bred the $77,594 earner.

Third-place finisher Rk lady Dana races for owner-breeder Kathleen Stumpf. Trainer Anthony Cunningham named jockey Francisco Quintero to ride the Bogart filly from the Corona Prospect mare Rk Rollin Cartel. The $8,556 second-place payday increased Rk Lady Dana's earnings to $169,270.

Sundays Best, Malibu Beach, Fancy Politics, Talk Cowboy To Me, My Little Star, and Vegas Modelo completed the field.

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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. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find the track on Social Media @HSIndyRacing.

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