First three in Risen Star lined up for Louisiana Derby

The Fair Grounds racing secretary has listed eight 3-year-olds as likely entrants in the March 20 Louisiana Derby, which will be drawn Saturday, March 13. Among those expected to be entered are the first three home from the Risen Star Stakes – Mandaloun, Proxy, and Midnight Bourbon, as well as O Besos, who finished a well-beaten fourth in the Risen Star, his stakes and two-turn debut. Hot Rod Charlie is the major ship-in, coming from California for trainer Doug O’Neill after a close third-place finish in his 3-year-old debut, the Jan. 30 Robert Lewis. Risen Star also-rans Rightandjust and Starrininmydreams also are on the list, as is Run Classic, who comes off a sharp maiden win Feb. 13 at Fair Grounds in his second start and route debut.

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◗ Adam Beschizza starts a one-week suspension that covers four racing days on Friday, March 12. Beschizza will be eligible to ride again on March 19. The suspension was handed down for Beschizza’s ride on Fieldstone in the fourth race Feb. 28. Fieldstone was disqualified from second to third for interference in the stretch. Beschizza, through racing on March 7, had 72 winners at the meet, second only to James Graham’s 76 winners.