Several Risen Star participants and a few newcomers headlines the Louisiana Derby. Mo Tom and Gun Runner enter as the morning line favorites. Overall the winner of this race will be a quality horse and most likely one of the top 6 or 7 contenders the first Saturday in May.
2016 Louisiana Derby Field
Gun Runner won the Risen Star with a handy trip while tucked inside. He broke a little slow and with the bulky field was trapped inside for half the race, he made a decisive move to go to the lead going into the far turn and then held off the charge of the late runners. It was his first race off a lay-off and he ran hard the entire race. Should sit a stalking trip and has a mix of speed and stamina.
Greenpointcrusader had his best race in the Grade 1 Champagne and most likely it was because of the slop. But he was talented enough to win a Maiden Special Weight race at Saratoga on the dirt. His 2nd place finish in the Holy Bull was solid as he showed off a new dimension of speed. Recent works are consistent, but is coming off a mini-layoff.
Battery steps up in class but is facing a full field and whole new level of horses. Castellano is a top rider but doesn’t have the horse in this race.
Conquest Windycity was impressive at Oaklawn Park Allowance race and can finish strong. Should sit mid-pack and looms as a solid chance at an upset. Has solid foundation, a good race and recent works. Ready to fire top effort.
Candy My Boy has improved dramatically in the past couple of months. Setting fast pace in the Risen Star. Looks like the pace setter again and probably more moderate fractions. Not sure if he can finish with the other quality speed.
Mo Tom runs a solid race and is consistent. Was clearly beaten in the Risen Star before encountering the trip trouble. Had a rail trip last race and may have a more “difficult” wider trip this time. Not sure what the upside is.
Tom’s Ready lost all chance in the Risen Star when forced close to the pace on the soft part of the track. In the LeComte had the lead in mid-stretch before being passed late. Look for him to lay back and make a strong run with a chance to upset.
Uncle Walter ran solid in the LeComte and disappointed in the Risen Star. New Jockey on board and can finish from mid-pack may provider a solid shot at on the board finish.
Dazzling Gem has been impressive in both his victories and beat a nice maiden field then a solid allowance race. Has the speed to finish and recent works are sharp. Nice prospect.
Zapperini gets another class test and faces winners for the 2nd time. Mid pack stalking trip is most likely. Outsider to win the race.
Forevamo close late in the Risen Star. Fits class wise and has an upset chance to win, but outside post does not help and not sure he has the foot speed to put himself with a chance to win going into the turn. More of a grinder type.
The Choice:
Gun Runner fits on stamina and should improve second off the layoff. Gun Runner is the top choice with exactas over Conquest Windycity and Tom’s Ready. Conquest Windycity and Tom’s ready are outsiders to play in daily doubles.