Ete Indien comes out of the shadows

"Sometimes

I feel that I should go and play with the thunder

somehow

I just don't want to stay and wait for a wonder"

 

"In the Shadows" by Finnish rockers The Rasmus may center on someone feeling underappreciated, but the song doesn't wallow. The lyrics acknowledge the virtue of trying. The poppy, danceable tune paints a picture of going out to find that big moment, instead of skulking around, waiting for life to happen

In the shadows is exactly where Ete Indien found himself during his winter campaign at Gulfstream Park.

After two turf starts he tried dirt for the first time in an allowance Dec. 20. The Patrick Biancone trainee was an afterthought at 14-1. The public lavished its attention upon Toledo, a Chad Brown charge coming off a daylight maiden victory. Ete Indien shined nonetheless. He disputed the early pace, opened up, and held off Toledo comfortably

Ete Indien remained outside the limelight for the Holy Bull (G2) on Feb. 1. To many it seemed a two-horse race. Tiz the Law would outclass them or Toledo would move forward. Tiz the Law prevailed, but only one horse finished within a dozen lengths. It wasn't Toledo. It was Ete Indien, who made the lead and stayed on to run three lengths behind the winner, 11 1/2 clear of Toledo.

Though Ete Indien was the top Holy Bull contender to resurface in the Fountain of Youth (G2), he remained on the periphery, relegated behind the return of Dennis' Moment. The toast of his class since a dominant maiden victory at Ellis Park, Dennis' Moment came into the Fountain of Youth hoping to bounce back from a poor start in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1).

Ete Indien seized the spotlight.

He shot from the outside gate to the inside speed in no time flat. He was unperturbed by Gear Jockey stalking outside down the backstretch. Into the final quarter he cruised clear. His 8 1/2-length victory was a testament to continuing to take the initiative.

Given the chance, he left everyone else in his shadow.

Derby Remix is a weekly series that crosses the lines of culture and Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders.