Smokinghot Justice sizzles in Miss Indiana at Horseshoe Indianapolis

 

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Thursday, November 13, 2025) – Smokinghot Justice was on fire as she came down the stretch and earned the win in the 28th running of the $100,000 Miss Indiana Thursday, November 13 at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Guided by 2025 Leading Jockey Fernando De La Cruz, the freshman filly earned her first premier racing victory in a time of 1:43.47.

Starting from post four, Smokinghot Justice left the gate with many horses on both sides of her and De La Cruz quickly grabbed her off early lead intentions as Spirited Anne and Walter Rodriguez claimed the top spot from the inside followed by Prayer Unbridled and Joe Ramos, tracking just off the top pair to the outside. Sahara Hottie and Santo Sanjur was third along the inside as the field remained bunched up to the half of the one mile 70 yard event. In the final turn, horses began to fan wide to advance in the final furlong, including Smokinghot Justice, who was widest of all.

In the stretch, it took her a few strides to get rolling but once she did, she hit another gear, traveling the quickest and taking over from Spirited Anne to win by three-quarters of a length at the wire. Prayer Unbridled finished third.

Smokinghot Justice paid $16.60 for the win. The Harry’s Holiday freshman is now two for five in her brief career. It was the first time aboard for De La Cruz for trainer Aaron West and first time horse owner Alexa Ashton Justice, the daughter of breeder Greg Justice.

“Pretty excited for this win as it’s my daughter’s first horse,” said Greg Justice, who has been dominant in the state as a breeder for the past several years. “I think she was more excited about designing the silks than anything. She had another obligation today and couldn’t be here so I’m glad to be here for this win.”

Smokinghot Justice pushed her career bankroll to nearly $100,000 with the win for West, a native of Cambridge City, Ind. who now owns a training center in Russell Spring, Ky.

“We let Fernando (De La Cruz ride her like he wanted to,” added West. “She sat in a perfect spot. I told him to put her in the race when she was ready and to let her run. That’s exactly what she did and we are very excited to get this win today.”

The 23rd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse concluded Thursday, Nov. 13. Racing returns for the 24thseason Tuesday, April 7. For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visitwww.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing.