The long stretch of the Fairgrounds, deep down in Louisiana. The Lecomte is the first of three races and highlights the talents of 3 year olds on the road to the Triple Crown. The Risen Star and Louisiana Derby follow later this spring. A field of 11 has entered the starting box with Eagle and Savoy Stomp expected to vie for favoritism.
International Star has a dirt pedigree and has been alternating races on the all-weather and turf. In the Kentucky Jockey Club he chased the speed while running wide. The even effort in that race and solid work pattern could have him on a big race and the odds may be solid at about 8/1. His Grey Cup was most impressive and if he can go back to that effort that puts him in the mix. Distance should not be a concern, fits with this group and has an inside post.
Tiznow R J busted out the Whooping stick in his most recent race winning a maiden race by 13 lengths. This tall, lanky colt has a late developing pedigree by Tiznow and seems to be improving every race. Has the ability to press the pace, or stalk from behind.
Four Leaf Chief represents the Cajuns and this Louisiana Bred son of Lookin at Lucky has raced well with 3 wins in 5 starts. Will have to improve his speed to be competitive in this race but running style fits.
War Story this private purchase ran well in Fairgrounds debut and seemed to enjoy the long Fairgrounds stretch. Debut win was a come from behind effort at 7 furlongs at Churchill Downs. Pedigree is solid for middle distances and seems to be in form. Logical spot.
Hero of Humor – The Mad Russian is the trainer of this Clown Show.
Savoy Stomp ships in from Florida with a flash pedigree and 875K price tag at the sales. Won debut race defeating Tradesman in a top effort at 7 furlongs. Failed to deliver in the slop in the Nashua and was last of 6 horses. Last race faced the sharp
Bluegrass Singer and may have been taken out of his element when rating behind the speed that day. Expect him closer to the pace. Mike Smith and 1st Lasix add more power to this horse.
Run Happy Mattress Mac runner aired at Turfway Park by 6 lengths in a strange race, basically running away from the field. Runs medication free and steps up in class. Seems to have the speed, but the quick turn-around is a question mark and it’s hard to judge the one race which was fast but strangely run.
Killing It son of Candy Ride won a slow maiden race at Churchill Downs by 3 lengths. Ran mid pack in most recent race at Turfway. Should like the distance and has enough tactical speed to be close to the pace for 6 furlongs.
Dekabrist – This Clown Show has lost his last 7 races by a combined 70 plus lengths and now moves up in class – Brilliant Move.
Another Lemon Drop picked up a 5 lengths maiden win in last race his first start at Fairgrounds. Chase Dortmund at Churchill downs. Getting better with every race and should like the distance and still has room to improve. Expecting a big effort and 6/1 is fair value in this spot.
Eagle Graduated in debut race at the Pea Patch, then finished a closing 2nd while running wide at Churchill. Showed a quick turn of foot coming into the turn at Keeneland and defeated a solid field in that race. Distance no problem and patient trainer has worked him over the surface 3 times in the last month. Likely favorite has the outside post. Should run a good race, but this is a just a small step on a journey to longer races.
Fair Odds:
Eagle 5/2
International Star 7/1
Savoy Stomp 4/1
Tiznow R J 6/1
The Choice:
Runhappy seems to be the speed of the race with pace pressure from Savoy Stomp. Savoy Stomp should have the lead 6 furlongs. Eagle should track from 6th or 7th place and International Star may get first run. Top Choice Eagle has a quick turn of foot and should get the speed to come back to him on the turn. International Star has some appeal and could run in the top 4.