New Orleans could also be well-known for Mardi Gras, however for jockeys, Saturday’s Gun Runner Stakes kicks off one other well-known New Orleans occasion. The two-year-old stakes pave the way in which from the Fairgrounds to the Kentucky Derby, which additionally consists of the Lecomte Stakes and Fasig-Tipton-Risenstar Stakes, culminating on March 21 with the 1 3/16-mile Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby, the longest prelude to Rose’s run. Gun Runner awards a complete of 21 Kentucky Derby qualifying factors to the highest 5 finishers on a 10-5-3-2-1 scale.
1. Mesquite (morning line odds 9-2): On his second begin, he got here again to life after reaching two turns. He has a rail and high jockey and would be the primary risk if his tempo is brisk sufficient.
Jockey: Jose Ortiz; coach: Shelley Deveaux
2. chip honcho (9-2): After ending second in his debut race, he confirmed a superb flip in his second begin, beating the maiden horse’s time. This shall be his first try on the two turns, nevertheless it’s fascinating that Jose Ortiz, who rode this flip final time, determined to trip Mesquite right here.
Jockey: paco lopez coach: Steve Asmussen
3. Liberty Nationwide (7-2) One other one who reached the winner’s circle on his second strive. At Churchill Downs, he got here shut from seventh to a simple win over this 1 1/16-mile distance. An essential component shall be to offer a snug breeze to the fairground’s primary monitor.
Jockey: Brian J. Hernandez Jr. coach: Ken McPeek
4. High quality Mischief (10-1): That is his fourth straight win, breaking his maiden in his second begin. He got here in late at Horseshoe Indianapolis towards off-the-turf runners. Others are extra interesting.
Jockey: Marcelino Pedrosa Jr. coach: brad cox
5. crown the buckeye (5-1): He’s the one contestant with something on his resume apart from his first win. Each of his final two begins have been stakes wins, however these had been stakes wins restricted to Ohio-bred horses. Though his time was quick, he shall be taking a category check right here.
Jockey: Jareth Loveberry; coach: microphone maker
6. arabia wild (8-1): Though he gained on this course and distance, his time was mediocre. He is the son of a gunrunner, so perhaps successful is in his genes.
Jockey: Axel Concepcion. coach: brad cox
7. very related (9-2): He has expertise in main races, having gained the Kentucky Jockey Membership Stakes for the fourth time and the Road Sense Stakes for the third time. He’s additionally a better who can assist together with his fast toes.
Jockey: Colby Hernandez. coach: Ken McPeek
8. Mr. Punch (6-1): Coach Brad Cox’s third entry could also be the perfect. He broke his first win even beginning second, nevertheless it was his first time on grime and it was a giant step up by way of velocity numbers. It is price taking an extended have a look at the morning line odds specifically, as he might make a profitable stalking journey from the skin submit.
Jockey: Luis Saez. coach: brad cox
choose: Mr. Punch
stay lengthy shot: Mr. Punch
fantastic: 8-7-1-3
