Mission Impazible, a Todd Pletcher-trained colt, pulled ahead just past the sixteenth pole to win his first race as a 3-year-old in the $750,000 Louisiana Derby at the Fair Grounds on Saturday.
Ridden by Rajiv Maragh and starting from the second post at 7-1 odds, he covered the 1 1-8-mile course in 1:50.32 on a dry and fast track.
A Little Warm, trained by Tony Dutrow, held on for second, three-quarters of a length behind the winner and a neck in front of third-place finisher Drosselmeyer.
Mission Impazible paid $16.20, $7.20 and $5. A Little Warm paid $8.60 and 5.80. Drosselmeyer, which started from the 13th post, paid $4.20.
There were 3 derby preps last weekend and here are the payouts and results.
Louisiana Derby
As expected, Pyro won Louisiana Derby easily. The victory not only reaffirmed Pyro’s status as a leading contender for the Kentucky Derby, it made trainer Steve Asmussen breathe easier knowing his 3-year-old colt won with plenty to spare. Pyro’s latest win simply reaffirmed his status as a top Kentucky Derby contender, but undefeated War Pass remains No. 1 in the latest Associated Press’ Run to the Roses’ Top 10 list. Pyro, who won the Risen Star with a last-to-first stretch run Feb. 9, stays No. 2 with all three of his losses coming last year against undefeated War Pass.
Horse Win Place Show
3 Pyro 3.60 2.80 2.20
2 My Pal Charlie 26.00 10.80
8 Yankee Bravo 5.20
El Camino Real Derby
Autism Awareness stormed onto the Derby scene with a stunning win in the El Camino Real Derby at Bay Meadows at odds of 62-1. The colt was 0-for-12 before breaking his maiden in the race before the El Camino Real.
Horse Win Place Show
6 Bwana Bull 4.00 2.40 2.20
7 Freesgood 4.00 3.80
1 Zoning In 6.60
Shame Stakes
Colonel John, ridden by Garrett Gomez, won by a half-length, with the previously unbeaten El Gato Malo finishing three lengths in front of third-place Victory Pete. Reflect Times was fourth, and Success Fee trailed in the field of five. Coast Guard and Trevor’s Clever were scratched.
Horse Win Place Show
6 Colonel John 5.00 2.40 2.10
1 El Gato Malo 2.20 2.10
5 Victory Pete 2.60
