Friesan Fire Burns Rivals in the Louisiana Derby

March 15, 2009
By Profitus Maximus

Louisiana Derby favorite Friesan Fire turned into a blazing Fire as he dominated the $600,000 Grade 2 Kentucky Derby prep on Saturday at the Fair Grounds Race Track by over 7 lengths, splashing home in the mud in 143.46, and remaining undefeated as a three-year-old.

Friesan Fire broke from the outside post, and as a consequence, had no alternative but to go 3-wide around the first turn but the jockey settled him into the perfect stalking position in second and was just waiting to pounce all along the backstretch.

He made his move at the 5/16ths pole and was leading by the time they turned into the long straightaway at Fair Grounds Race Track.

He was never threatened and with a furlong to go, he was 4 lengths ahead of Papa Clem who eventually finished second, and widened his lead to 7 ¼ lengths at the wire. Terrain finished third.

It is clear that he enjoyed the mud and seemed to be moving comfortably over the boggy conditions at all times.Second favorite Patena disappointed his backers, beaten almost 15 lengths.

Friesan Fire got a 104 Beyer Speed Figure for his effort, which is the second highest Beyer for distances over 1 mile among the three year old horses, second only to the 113 Beyer I Want Revenge was assigned for the Gotham Stakes (G3).

His connections have not yet determined if Friesan Fire will make an additional start before the Kentucky Derby or if he will head directly to Churchill.

GiftHorseRacing will keep you posted.