Chip Hunter loving the Louisiana turf

BOSSIER CITY, La. - Chip Hunter continued his rapid development on the local turf on Sunday, winning the A. L. "Red" Irwin Stakes by 2 1/4 lengths at Harrah?s Louisiana Downs. The victory was the James Hodges trainee?s third straight over the local lawn and the fourth of his ten race career. He survived a claim of foul by the rider of runner up finisher Badtotheboneandrew for alleged interference into the first turn of the one-mile test for Louisiana-bred 3-year-olds. Z Storm reported home third followed by Spend Dancer.

Carlos Gonzalez allowed Chip Hunter ($7.40) to settle off the pace set by longshot Derby Tri before making his move in the second turn while three wide. Shaking clear in upper stretch, Gonzalez kept his mount?s mind on business as they crossed the wire in 1:37.06 over a firm course.