(from Fair Grounds release)
Fell The Thunder Stable’s Sandburr took command in upper stretch and outran Jonesboro the rest of the way to capture the $75,000 Louisiana Breeders’ Cup Handicap by three-quarters of a length Saturday at Fair Grounds Race Course.
Under clever rating by jockey James Graham, who rode three winners on the afternoon, Sandburr toured the 1 1/16-mile distance in 1:45.10. He paid $11, $ 4.20, and $2.10.
Winning trainer Mike Stidham credited Graham with the proper pace judgment.
“James came by this morning, and we watched race replays of (Sandburr’s) last few races,” said Stidham, “but I left it up to him how to ride him, and it worked out great.”
Sandburr, an 8-year-old gelded son of Sandpit, increased his career earnings to $260,211 while recording back-to-back wins and his 12th victory from 46 starts.
Odds-on favorite Patriot Act, once again the victim of a slow early pace, rallied belatedly to gain the third spot, a half-length behind Jonesboro.
Jonesboro, who set most of the early fractions of :25.31, :49.40 and 1:13.46, paid $3.20 and $2.20, while Patriot Act returned $2.10.
(Chart, Equibase)