NEWS
Friesan Fire scores dominant Louisiana Derby win
Posted: Saturday, March 14, 2009 6:01 PM
FRIESAN FIRE
Lou Hodges Jr. photo
To view the Louisiana Derby, click here.
by Myra Lewyn
Friesan Fire left eight opponents toiling in the slop and coasted to a 7 1/4-length triumph in the $600,000 Louisiana Derby (G2) on Saturday at Fair Grounds.
The 2.20-to-1 favorite in the 1 1/16-mile race, Friesan Fire collared pacesetter Papa Clem on the turn and spurted away at the top of the lane. He extended his command throughout the longest stretch in the nation to cross the finish line undefeated in three starts this year at the New Orleans track.
Trained by Larry Jones for Vinery Stables and Fox Hill Farm, Friesan Fire finished the trip on a sealed sloppy track in 1:43.46.
With the victory, the A.P. Indy colt completed a rare sweep of Fair Grounds’s trio of Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) preps, which began with a 1½-length win in the Lecomte Stakes (G3) on January 10 and followed with a two-length win in the Risen Star Stakes (G3) on February 7.
Friesan Fire earned the $360,000 winner’s share of the Louisiana Derby purse to give him $570,465 in graded stakes earnings, which determines the field for the Kentucky Derby if more than 20 horses are entered. He cemented a starting spot in the Louisville classic with the dominant victory.
The bay colt, who failed to meet his reserve on a final bid of $725,000 at the 2007 Keeneland September yearling sale for consignor Vinery, agent, has four wins, one second-, and one third-place finish in seven career starts and lifetime earnings of $603,265.
Friesan Fire closely tracked Papa Clem, who sprinted to a clear lead early under Rafael Bejarano. Friesan Fire was eager to engage the front-runner but was restrained on the backstretch.
On Saez’s cue, Friesan Fire easily dispatched Papa Clem on the turn and by the quarter pole the outcome was no longer in question.
“He was awesome the way he was going so smooth early,” Saez said. “He made me so confident. When I asked him to go, he did it so easy I can’t explain it.”
Papa Clem hung on for second, a head in front of third-place finisher Terrain, who finished two lengths in front of fourth-place finisher Giant Oak. Flying Pegasus, runner-up in the Risen Star, had no rally and finished sixth. Patena, runner-up in the Lecomte and the 4-to-1 second wagering choice, raced off the pace and tired in drive to finish eighth.
Bred in Kentucky by Grapestock LLC, Friesan Fire is out of Australian Group 1 winner Bollinger (Aus), by Dehere.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Myra Lewyn is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
