Multiple Louisiana-bred stakes winner Witt Ante makes his first career start on turf in the $100,000 Gentilly Handicap for 3-year-olds Saturday at Fair Grounds. Owned by David Beard and trained by Larry Robideaux, Witt Ante goes for his third straight win at the meet with jockey Kirk LeBlanc in the irons as the 121-pound high weight. A field of 10 Louisiana breds was entered. The distance of about one mile on the Stall-Wilson turf course should be within the range of the son of Upping The Ante, considering his impressive win in the 1 1/16-mile Crescent City Derby. Witt Ante's resume includes five wins and a pair of seconds from seven starts. Only two horses in the 10-horse field have wins over the Stall-Wilson turf course: Light Up The Board and Think Jazz. Light Up The Board is undefeated from two starts for trainer Jake Morreale. Lonnie Meche will be aboard the son of Nelson. Heiligbrodt Racing Stable's Spritely Walker could also get some support from the public. The son of Skywalker has won his last two starts on the dirt and finished second as a maiden in the Louisiana Futurity. Trained by Steve Asmussen, Spritely Walker drew the outside post under Corey Lanerie.
$100,000 Gentilly Handicap, 3-year-old Louisiana breds, about 1 mile on turf
PP. Horse, Wgt., Jockey
1. Warren's Classic, 113, Elvis Joseph Perrodin
2. Sam'n Sarah's Star , 112, Elvis Joseph Perrodin
3. Meauxjo, 114, Calvin H. Borel
4. Lac Laronge, 116, Frank Lovato, Jr.
5. Zarb's Music, 114, Gerard Melancon
6. Think Jazz, 115, Larry Melancon
7. Witt Ante, 121, Kirk Paul LeBlanc
8. Light Up the Board, 116, Lonnie Meche
9. Lighter Knot, 112, Eddie M. Martin, Jr.
10. Spritely Walker, 115, Corey J. Lanerie