SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Monday, April 8, 2024) — Carimba and three-time leading jockey Marcelino Pedroza Jr. wowed the crowd assembled for the $55,000Total Eclipse of the Heart Handicap during the 22^nd season opener Monday, April 8 at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

Starting from extreme outside post 11, Carimba rallied out of the gate to join Ace Reporter and Sammy Bermudez on the front end along with Speedy Deliver and Abel Cedillo between horses. The trio of mares traveled together down the backstretch before Carimba hit another gear and got the edge heading into the stretch.

Carimba dug in gamely as Ace Reporter was not giving an inch. Near the wire, Carimba was able to get the win by three-quarters of a length over Ace Reporter. Tizzy Jojo and Fernando De La Cruz moved up for third.

Carimba was the favorite of the field, paying $3.40 for the win. The six-year-old daughter of Kantharos is owned by John Donaldson. Rey Hernandez manages the training duties of the mare, who earned her seventh career win in 12 starts. She is now two for three at Horseshoe Indianapolis for her connections.

“We got out right there with the leaders,” said Pedroza Jr., who just completed the meet at Fair Grounds prior to his return to Indiana. “I knew the nine (Ace Reporter) was the one to beat and I didn’t want her to get away on the lead, so we put some pressure on her early. Rey (Hernandez) is doing a good job with this mare. She doesn’t feel like a six-year-old.”

The Total Eclipse of the Heart was one of two Handicaps on the card, followed by the $55,000 Dark Side of the Moon. Mr Chaos and Orlando Mojica got away in a stalking spot behind early leader Classic Max and German Terraza. They tracked them all the way to the stretch before moving out and offering a challenge. Classic Max was strong all the way to the wire, but Mojica never let up on Mr Chaos, getting the gelding to the wire for the win by a half length over Classic Max. Zappinit and Albin Jimenez finished third.

“This horse (Mr Chaos) can run anywhere,” noted Mojica, who earned his third win aboard the gelding. “He can run on the front or come from behind. I want to thank Bob (Dobbs) and the owners for allowing me to ride such a nice horse.”

Mr Chaos paid $9.00 for the win. The Robert Dobbs Jr. trained five-year-old is owned by Judy Dorris and Ken Sentel. The Turbo Compressor son was making his first start of 2024, winning his fourth race overall and moved over the half-million dollar mark in career earnings for his connections.

“We are going to let him run as long as he’s able to run,” said Sentel. “I think he’s better now than he’s ever been.”

The Handicaps led into the Total Solar Eclipse. Horseshoe Indianapolis was on the line of totality for the phenomenon. Racing resumed following the Eclipse to complete a full day of activities, including giveaways, a performance by the Endless Summer Band, local entertainers Nick Fischer, Kitt Hammond, Garry Lauziere, and Lindsey Flannery combined with food trucks, facepainting and strolling entertainment for the large crowd in attendance.

The 22^nd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Thursday, Nov. 14. Racing is conducted at 2:10 p.m. Monday through Thursday with select Saturdays provided throughout the 123-day season. Six all-Quarter Horse racing days will begin at 10:45 a.m. with the first date set for Saturday, June 1. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing.