Hot Rod Charlie speeds to track record in TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby
Mar 20, 2021 Kellie Reilly/Brisnet.com
California shipper Hot Rod Charlie grabbed the early lead in Saturday’s $1 million TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2), repelled Midnight Bourbon, and set a new track record at Fair Grounds. His first stakes victory propelled him to the top of the Kentucky Derby (G1) leaderboard with a total of 110 points, and advertised the depth of the sophomore division based out west.
Running in the name of trainer Doug O’Neill’s assistant, Leandro Mora, on Saturday, Hot Rod Charlie was dispatched as the 2.90-1 second choice. The dark bay had run well in his two previous stakes appearances, placing second to unbeaten champion Essential Quality in the Nov. 6 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and a near-miss third to Medina Spirit in the Jan. 30 Robert B. Lewis (G3).
But Hot Rod Charlie reached a new level to upstage the locals at Fair Grounds. Despite getting off to a bumpy start, the son of 2013 Preakness (G1) hero Oxbow showed speed to take charge after the opening quarter-mile. Midnight Bourbon, who won the Lecomte (G3) two back, prompted in second. Risen Star (G2) winner Mandaloun, the 13-10 favorite, raced in an eager third early, but ultimately dropped back in a disappointing effort.
“He was a little flat today, and I ran out of gas late,” jockey Florent Geroux said. “I’m disappointed. I had the same trip I had the first two times (in the Lecomte and Risen Star); I was tracking the horses that ran 1-2 and, for some reason, just came up really empty when it was time to run.”
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