Last season’s Louisiana Derby (gr. II) winner Friesan Fire , owned by Vinery Stable and Fox Hill Farm and now conditioned by Steve Asmussen, returned to competition Thursday in Fair Grounds’ feature but finished third as the odds-on choice (VIDEO).
Thursday’s Fair Grounds headliner was won by Laconian Racing Stable, Steve Organ, and Josie Carroll’s Good and Lucky by three lengths. Good and Lucky won last season’s $75,000 Louisiana Handicap. Ridden by Shane Sellers, the 6-year-old gelding was allowed to settle, took command entering the lane, and quickly drew clear, returning $12, $5.60, and $2.60 while covering the one mile and 40-yard distance in 1:40.28. Good and Lucky, trained by Carroll, increased his career earnings to $483,915 with his 10th win in 28 lifetime trips to the post.
“This horse runs like he looks on paper,” said Sellers of Good and Lucky. “He likes this racetrack.”
David Garner’s Glamour Guy, unhurried early, rallied late to be second best, paying $4.80 and $2.60 under defending Fair Grounds jockey champion Robby Albarado.
Friesan Fire, post time favorite for last spring’s Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) but absent since the Preakness, lacked the needed late response and finished third – three lengths behind Glamour Guy while paying $2.10 in the show position.
“He needed the race,” said Asmussen. “He’s a great big horse who obviously needed the race and got a little tired.”
Jockey Shaun Bridgmohan voiced similar sentiments.
“I got squeezed a little on the first turn,” said Bridgmohan, “but he gave me what he had. He got a little tired.”
Fancy Runner made the pace with splits of 24.29 and 48.21 before tiring to finish fifth.