by Jeff Apel

Tin Cup Chalice regained his winning form on Saturday by posting a one-length victory in the $514,100 Indiana Derby (G2) at Hoosier Park.

Making his first start outside of New York, Tin Cup Chalice earned his first graded stakes victory in the Indiana Derby. The Crusader Sword gelding entered off a runner-up finish in the Step Nicely Stakes on September 14 at Belmont Park—his only defeat in nine career starts.

Tin Cup Chalice dictated the pace in the Indiana Derby and led by a half-length through a half-mile in :48.20 and six furlongs in 1:13.40 under jockey Pedro Rodriguez. Kicking clear on the turn, Tin Cup Chalice opened a 1 1/2-length lead in early stretch, gamely turned back runner-up Pyro in the closing strides, and won the 1 1/16-mile race in 1:45 on a track rated as fast.

Pyro, the 6-to-5 favorite in a field of 12, edged third-place finisher Acai by a neck.

Michael Lecesse trains Tin Cup Chalice, and co-owns the three-year-old gelding along with Scott Vanlaer. Lecesse also is the breeder of the New York-bred colt.

Tin Cup Chalice was unbeaten in his first seven career starts, all in New York. The gelding earned a $250,000 bonus from the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing Program after winning the Big Apple Triple series for New York-breds. The series consisted of the Mike Lee Stakes at Belmont Park on June 22, the New York Derby on July 12 at Finger Lakes, and the Albany Stakes on August 20 at Saratoga Race Course.

Tin Cup Chalice increased his earnings to $868,680. A half brother to stakes winner Don Corleone, Tin Cup Chalice is one of three winners from as many starters out of the winning Spectacular Bid mare Twice Forbidden.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Jeff Apel is a Thoroughbred Times assistant daily news editor