Guillot retains faith in maiden Laoban entering Blue Grass

LEXINGTON, Ky. – When Carpe Diem won the $1 million Blue Grass Stakes for Todd Pletcher last year at 2-5, it was the first time in 12 years that the favorite had won the Keeneland showcase.

Pletcher has the 5-2 morning-line choice in Zulu for the 92nd Blue Grass on Saturday, but with a full gate of 14 3-year-olds expected, a win by something other than the favorite in the 1 1/8-mile race would not be a big deal.

However, it’s finding the right upsetter that will prove difficult for fans. One possibility is Laoban, whose trainer, Eric Guillot, is a colorful, self-described workaholic whose passion outside of racing is the “sport” known as the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Laoban is still a maiden after four starts, but the colt is by one of the hottest sires on the planet, Uncle Mo, and was second to Shagaf after leading most of the way in his last start, the March 5 Gotham at Aqueduct, albeit when aided by a bias that favored speed.

“He doesn’t have to be on the lead,” said Guillot, whose exploits in recent years with Moreno put him on the national racing map. Moreno earned nearly $3 million before being retired last summer. “He’s not really a speed horse. He’s going to like this distance, and he fits with these horses.”

Laoban, with Jose Lezcano riding from post 7, is listed at 12-1 in a race that drew 16 entries but will be limited to 14 starters.

Since Peace Rules won the 2003 running for Bobby Frankel at 3-5, the Blue Grass has produced some big win mutuels, most notably the stakes-record payoff of $82.20 by Stately Victor in 2010.