Mister Marti Gras Plans Keeneland Comeback in Sycamore

In six years of racing, Lothenbach Stables’ homebred Mister Marti Gras has exceeded $1 million in earnings, won two graded stakes and placed in 12 other graded events.

Yet for all that success, Mister Marti Gras has failed to find the winner’s circle at Keeneland  in five tries. He is expected to try again Thursday when he makes a start in the 20th running of the $100,000 Sycamore (G3) at 1 1/2 miles on the grass.

“He should be here Tuesday or Wednesday,” said Neil Pessin, who along with Chris Block, trains Mister Marti Gras. “He is kind of a hard horse to train and Chris likes to keep the same rider on him as long as possible, so he will keep him at Hawthorne.”

Both trainers have horses for Lothenbach and the conditioning duties of the 7-year-old gelding generally fall in line with location.

“A lot depends on where he ships, but generally I get him for races like this when Chris is in Chicago or after a break and he comes to me in New Orleans when Chris is in Florida,” Pessin said. “After this, he will go back to Chicago for the Hawthorne Gold Cup (G2 on Nov. 29), then be turned out for 45 days and come back to me in New Orleans.”

Mister Marti Gras has performed well on grass, dirt and all-weather surfaces in his career.

“He is just an honest horse and he tries hard every time,” Pessin said. “When he doesn’t, there is something wrong.”

 

Source: Keeneland Barn Notes