Dolphus likely to run next in Risen Star

Dolphus, who was scratched at the gate of the Lecomte after acting up and briefly getting loose, returned to action Sunday with a three-quarter-length win in a first-level, two-turn allowance at Fair Grounds. Dolphus closed into a slow pace and beat a seemingly decent Larry Jones-trained colt named Jensen. The race produced a 77 Beyer, but there was no way the final time was going to be fast after a slow half-mile split.

“I was just glad he got a chance to validate himself going two turns,” said Joe Sharp, who trains Dolphus for owner and breeder DeDe McGhehee. “I was nervous when it ended up a four-horse field, and I was worried about having no pace. He made the lead, pricked his ears, and galloping out, he ran away from them again.”

Dolphus, by Lookin At Lucky and a half-brother of the champion mare Rachel Alexandra, will make his next start in the Risen Star, Sharp said, provided the colt gives the right signs leading into the race.

◗ Malibu Sunset scored one of the most impressive maiden wins of the Fair Grounds meet Sunday, when the first-time starter won a maiden sprint race by 10 1/2 lengths. The racing surface was slow all weekend, and Malibu Sunset’s six furlongs in 1:10.95 earned a 92 Beyer. The Bernardini colt is owned by Gary and Mary West and trained by Wayne Catalano.