Cox reveals next-out plans for Instant Replay, others

The 3-year-old colt Instant Replay will probably make his stakes debut in the Louisiana Derby on March 22, trainer Brad Cox said.

Instant Replay, a Gary and Mary West homebred by Maximum Security, cleared the maiden ranks for a $100,000 claiming tag last fall before breaking through with a five-length first-level allowance victory Feb. 17 at Fair Grounds. Instant Replay covered 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.11 and earned a 92 Beyer Speed Figure, his best among five starts by 16 points. Instant Replay got an excellent setup closing into a strong pace while facing modest competition.

Cox also mentioned Sam Davis Stakes winner John Hancock as a potential runner in the Louisiana Derby.

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Good Cheer, Cox said, will start in the Fair Grounds Oaks after easily besting overmatched opposition in the Rachel Alexandra to go 5 for 5. Good Cheer trained for the Rachel Alexandra, her 3-year-old debut, at Payson Park, but Cox has left the filly at Fair Grounds to prepare for her next engagement.

One horse making the trip this week from Payson to Fair Grounds is the 4-year-old Justify colt Just a Touch, who starts March 1 in a first-level allowance race. Last year, Just a Touch finished second in the Gotham, second in the Blue Grass, and second in the Iowa Derby before going to the sidelines.

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