Irad Ortiz Jr guides Leading Change to G3 Indiana Derby win

Irad Ortiz Jr delivered a masterclass in race-riding on July 11, steering Leading Change to a hard-fought victory in the $300,000 Indiana Derby (G3) at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

Leading Change, a 3-year-old Gun Runner colt, broke from the outside and tracked rivals before launching a late bid. He dueled Our Moneyman down the stretch and prevailed by a neck in 1:41.36 over 1 1/16 miles on a fast track. The win followed a 6 1/2-length debut score at Churchill Downs on June 7.

Ortiz called the colt “nice” in the mornings and backed that up on race day. The victory marked his second graded stakes win of the year and reinforced his reputation for closing races. His tactical move to stalk Our Moneyman paid off when the rival rallied late.

Brad Cox admitted jumping Leading Change straight into graded company was unusual. The colt had only one start under his belt when Cox opted for the Indiana Derby over longer, older-horse routes at Saratoga or Ellis Park. Cox cited morning works with stablemate Commandment as the confidence booster.

Wathnan Racing bought Leading Change for $800,000 at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. He was scratched from a planned Keeneland start with bone bruising but returned to finish second in the Florida Derby (G1) and the Belmont Stakes (G1). The Indiana Derby win validated early expectations.