Kingsbarns leads wire to wire to win $1 million Louisiana Derby

AP

Kingsbarns led wire to wire to win the $1 million Louisiana Derby by four lengths and earned 100 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby.

Ridden by Flavien Prat and trained by Todd Pletcher, Kingsbarns ran 1 3/16 miles in 1:57.33 after breaking to the front and then settling into a relatively slow pace on a warm, dry day. The rest of the field settled behind, setting up a sprint to the finish around the final turn, during which Kingsbarns pulled away comfortably to remain unbeaten in three races.

“The horse jumped pretty well out of the gate and was able to get himself into the lead right away," Prat said. "From that point, we were able to get a pretty soft pace and he was really comfortable,

13 3-year-olds are late nominees to Triple Crown races

Wild On Ice, winner of the Sunland Park Derby, is among 13 3-year-old colts that were made eligible to compete in this year’s Triple Crown series with a late payment of $6,000.

There are now eligible to compete in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont. The Triple Crown opens May 6 with the Derby.

Wild On Ice won the Sunland Park Derby at 35-1 odds. The other late nomi- nees are: Ireland-bred Brave Emperor, El Camino Real Derby winner Chase the Chaos, Coffeewithchris, Empirestrikesfast, Eye Witness, Henry Q, Interlock Empire, King Russell, Kolomio, Mr. Peeks, Nautical Star and Ninetyprcentmaddie. in a good rhythm, breathing well.

Any horse not nominated during the early or late phases can become eligible through a supplemental fee due at the time of entry for each Triple Crown race. The Kentucky Derby fee is $200,000, the Preakness is $150,000 and the Belmont costs $50,000.

"He sprinted home really well,” Prat added.

A 9-2 second favorite in the field of 12, Kingsbarns paid $11 to win.

The result virtually assures the 3-yearold colt a spot in the 20-horse field for the Kentucky Derby on May 6.

Kingsbarns made it five career Louisiana Derby wins for Pletcher, who already has the early Kentucky Derby favorite in Forte, winner of the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream. Forte is raced again in the Florida Derby.

Disarm, which went off at 7-1, charged through the field late to finish second and Jace’s Road, at 6-1 odds, was another two lengths back in third after challenging for the lead from the first turn until the beginning of the homestretch.

Disarm earned 40 points for the Kentucky Derby, likely enough to make the field. Jace’s Road earned 30 points and also could race at Churchill Downs.

Instant Coffee, the 3-2 favorite at post time and winner of the Lecomte Stakes at the Fair Grounds in January, finished sixth after falling back to 10th early.