No surprise by Tachas Secret in Horseshoe Indianapolis Classic

It was a repeat performance by Tachas Secret Thursday in the 23^rd running of the $84,680 Horseshoe Indianapolis Classic.

The five-year-old mare posted a convincing finish to score her second straight win in one of Horseshoe Indianapolis’ oldest stakes, originating during the inaugural season in 2003.

Tachas Secret entered the starting gate right next to her full sister, Sin Tachas Secret, who was ridden by Martin Munoz. But in just a few jumps, Fernando Morin had Tachas Secret up into contention for the lead.

Midway through the 400-yard dash, Tachas Secret began to emerge with her powerful stride. AP Miss Lunas Tide and Isidro Banuelos did close in along with Jess A Riot, ridden by Edgar Diaz, in the final strides, but Tachas Secret was too strong, repelling them to win by one-half length in 19.753 seconds.

AP Miss Lunas Tide won the three-way battle for second, finishing a heck ahead of Jess A Riot.

Tachas Secret was the favorite, paying $3.60 for the win. Now owned by Duke Racing LLC, Ricardo Martinez bred, raised, and now trains the mare for the Duke Family, who waited trackside for their stable star to return to the winner’s circle. It was her seventh career stakes win and her 11^th career victory, all earned at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

Overall, she now has more than $445,000 in earnings.

“She is definitely the boss,” smiled Martinez in a post-race interview with Rachel McLaughlin. “She is such a nice horse to be around. She does everything right. She’s easy to train. She’s just a professional.”

The win was also significant as it placed Tachas Secret into the fourth spot on the list of all-time leading Indiana sired Quarter Horses by earnings. She joins elite company with Stone Cold Leader, Beach Cartel, and Air Born Leader, who are all retired, ahead of her on the list.

She is the first mare to reach the top five in the Quarter Horse category. Her sire, Habits Secret, and dan Sin Tachas Angel, both raced for Martinez before moving to the breeding industry. Both were named Indiana’s Top Stallion and Top Brood Mare of 2024.

The 23^rd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing runs through Nov. 13.

For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing.

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