Bravazo works for Louisiana Derby

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Bravazo worked a bullet Sunday at Oaklawn in his final prep for the Louisiana Derby. He is scheduled to ship to Fair Grounds on Thursday, trainer D. Wayne Lukas said.

The horse won last month’s Grade 2 Risen Star in New Orleans.

Bravazo worked five furlongs by himself in a 59.60 seconds, the fastest move of 26 at the distance. Oaklawn head clocker Jim Hamilton had the horse galloping out six furlongs in 1:13.20.

“He worked really well,” Lukas said. “I was very pleased with it. I thought it was stronger than even the previous work.”

Bravazo went five-eighths in 1:00 on March 12 at Oaklawn.

Gary Stevens, who won an Oaklawn allowance on Bravazo in January, has the mount in the Louisiana Derby. Miguel Mena, who won the Risen Star with Bravazo, was injured and will not be able to ride in the Louisiana Derby. Bravazo races for his breeder, Calumet Farm.

◗ Electric Avenue, who was an 11 1/4-length debut winner Feb. 1 at Oaklawn, could go favored in Thursday’s eighth race, a $30,000 starter allowance for 3-year-olds and up over six furlongs. Fernando De La Cruz has the mount for trainer Brad Cox.