Fordubai Upsets Louisiana 'Cap

Jim Tafel’s Fordubai --overlooked in the wagering -- prompted the pace, saved ground throughout, took command in upper stretch and drew clear late for a one-length score in Saturday’s 68th running of Fair Grounds’ $100,000 Louisiana Handicap while drifting out late when well clear of rivals. 

Fordubai was ridden by Robby Albarado and trained by Greg Geier.

“I got inside and we took advantage of it,” said Albarado.  “I was able to save ground on both turns and when we turned for home he ran hard.”

The winner who returned mutuels of $16.80, $9.60 and $3.60, had to survive a claim of foul by the rider of Zayat Stables’ odds-on favorite Prayer for Relief for interference at the quarter pole before the 1 1/16-mile race for older horses was declared official.  He toured the distance in 1:43.37 and increased his career earnings to $327,452 with his fifth victory in 11 lifetime starts.

Maggi Moss’s Grand Contender made the early pace with splits of 23.84 and 47.49 but could not withstand the winner late, saving the place by a neck paying $5.80 and $2.60, while Prayer for Relief, who lacked the needed response held down the third spot to return $2.10 as the public’s 3-5 wagering choice.