International Star, War Story Likley for Louisiana Derby
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Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey’s Mike Maker-trained International Star and Loooch Racing and Chris Dunn’s Tom Amoss-trained War Story displayed their class in last month’s Grade III $200,000 Lecomte Stakes when finishing first and second, but such apparently was not sufficient to make either the favorite in the Grade II $400,000 Risen Star Stakes – even with the defection of one of the expected favorites in Donald Dizney’s homebred Todd Pletcher trainee J S Bach a day prior to the 1 1/16-miles event. Sent off at just under 4-1 as the second- and third-choice, respectively, International Star and War Story once again displayed their superiority when taking residence in an exacta that paid a healthy $42.20.
Favored Imperia checked in a dull fifth in an effort that can either be excused by the need for a race, as he had been out since November, or that he is simply a turf horse who ran well once on the dirt when second in the Grade II $200,000 Kentucky Jockey Club. Said son of Medaglia d’Oro’s plan was to come back to New Orleans had he run well, but that strategy is on hold for now. Maker and Amoss, on the other hand, have made it known that they plan on aiming their charges for the meet centerpiece Grade II $750,000 Louisiana Derby on Mar. 28.
Two others who may return are Donegal Racing’s Keen Ice, who ran impeccably when closing from last under James Graham to finish third, and Altamira Racing Stable and David Bernsen’s St. Joe Bay, who finished a head behind him. Both were beaten just under three lengths. Keen Ice, a son of Curlin, is moving forward for trainer Dale Romans, who mentioned before the race that a positive performance will likely earn the long-striding colt a return to New Orleans. Peter Miller, who trains St. Joe Bay, was pleased with his front-running colt’s performance – especially since he was pressured throughout and held well under Florent Geroux – and mentioned that a return on Mar. 28 was not out of the question.
Disappointments from the Risen Star included Fox Hill Farm’s Larry Jones-trained Bluff and Mike McCarty’s Steve Asmussen-trained Tiznow R J, who finished sixth and seventh, respectively. Neither had an excuse and both failed to fire for their well-respected connections.
The Louisiana Derby picked up a new probable when Zayat Stable announced that its Mr. Z will be aimed for the race. Trained by incomparable Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas, the son of Malibu Moon has finished third in three consecutive two-turn stakes, including a photo-finish decision in the Grade I $500,000 Los Alamitos Futurity in December. The 102nd running of the Louisiana Derby may also attract a starter out of Saturday’s grassy $60,000 Black Gold Stakes, as two of its top competitors – Rigney Racing’s Phil Bauer-trained Another Lemon Drop and Holmark Stable’s Richie Scherer-trained Bourbon Cowboy – have proven main track form. At 7½ furlongs on the grass, the Black Gold was expected to draw Klaravich Stables and William Lawrences’s two-time turf winner at the meet (and three times overall) Wireless Future, but the would-be favorite opted for the Grade II $550,000 Spiral Stakes over the Polytrack at Turfway Park on Mar. 21.
Trainer Keith Desormeaux has mentioned that his Texas Red, whom he owns in partnership with Erich Braugh et al, is recovering well from the hoof abcess that withdrew him from planned Risen Star participation. The Cajun conditioner, who also runs a Fair Grounds string, mentioned that in addition to the Grade I $1,000,000 Arkansas Derby on April 11 and Grade I $1,000,000 Santa Anita Derby on April 4, that the Louisiana Derby was not out of the question – though such may be wishful thinking for all Pelican State parties involved.
Source: Fair Grounds Press Release
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