New Orleans, LA (SportsNetwork.com) – International Star, ridden by Miguel
Mena from the outside post, came from off the pace to win Saturday’s 102nd
running of the $750,000 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds Race Course.
Trained by Mike Maker for Ken and Sarah Ramsey, International Star was the 2-1
co-favorite in the nine-field of 3-year-olds along with War Story and Mr. Z
the 3-1 third pick.
International Star was moved to the rail as the field went up the backstretch
in the 1 1/8-mile stakes. The favorite settled off the pace that was being set
by Stanford and Mr. Z.
International Star was able to advance along the rail on the final turn before
moving outside entering the stretch. The favorite engaged Stanford down the
stretch and posted a neck victory over the Todd Pletcher-trained colt.
Finishing third was War Story followed by Keen Ice, Fusaichi Flame, St. Joe
Bay, Defondo, A Day in Paradise and Mr. Z.
The time for the Louisiana Derby was 1:50.67 on a fast track.
International Star came into the Louisiana Derby with 71 points as part of the
“Road to the Kentucky Derby” points system. Saturday’s win was worth another
100 points toward a place in the 20-horse starting field for the May 2 Run for
the Roses.
International Star recorded his third straight stakes victory, all at Fair
Gorunds, and earned $450,000. The colt has five wins in nine career starts for
$1,010,979.
International Star came into Saturday’s race off wins in the Lecomte and
Risen Star Stakes.
International Star returned $6.60, $3.60 and $2.60. Stanford paid $7.00 and
$4.80, and War Story $2.80 to show.
