Team Block’s undefeated Corrupt proved much the best in capturing the delayed $75,000 Mardi Gras Stakes Monday at Fair Grounds Race Course.
The 63rd running of the regular Carnival feature at Fair Grounds was postponed from Mardi Gras Day, when that program was canceled after six races because of a restroom fire in the grandstand.
Ridden by six-time Fair Grounds jockey champion Robby Albarado, Corrupt circled the leaders when set down for the drive and drew off late for a two-length victory.
As the choice in the wagering, Corrupt returned $4.40, $3 and $2.40 while covering about 7 1/2 furlongs on the Stall-Wilson turf course in 1:33.15. The homebred increased his career earnings to $102,248 with his third career victory from as many starts.
“I had a pretty handy trip,” said Albarado. “I just wanted to put him in a good position to win. Once I got to the eighth pole and he got to rolling along it was pretty much all over. I look forward to the rest of the year with this colt. He’s going to get better as the distances get longer.”
Trainer Jeff Trosclair, overseeing the Illinois-bred at Fair Grounds this winter for regular conditioner Chris Block, indicated that Fair Grounds’ $100,000 Grindstone Stakes at about 1 1/16 miles on the grass March 24 would be the colt’s next start.
Royal War Academy, always well placed, continued willingly late to save the second spot by a nose over the late-charging Awesome Hero. Royal War Academy paid $9.40 and $4.60 while Awesome Hero returned $4.
Follow My Moon set the early pace of :24.83 for the quarter-mile and :48.46 for the half before tiring to finish seventh.
