Hog Creek Hustle going in Louisiana Derby

Three-year-old old Hog Creek Hustle, second in the Lecomte Stakes and fourth in the Risen Star Stakes, will take his chance in the $1 million Louisiana Derby on March 23.

Trained by Vickie Foley, Hog Creek Hustle had less-than-ideal trips in both races. In the Risen Star, Foley was disappointed that Hog Creek Hustle fell so far behind the early pace, subsequently getting caught wide while making what his trainer felt was an ill-timed move on the far turn.

“He wasn’t beating the winner, but I felt like he should have been second in the Risen Star,” Foley said.

The Risen Star winner, War of Will, is the near-certain favorite for the Louisiana Derby. Country House finished second, Roiland third in front of Hog Creek Hustle.

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Florent Geroux picked up the mount on Hog Creek Hustle for the Lecomte and rode him again in the Risen Star, but Foley said she is making a rider change for the Louisiana Derby.

“We’re looking at our options right now,” she said.

Hog Creek Hustle, by Overanalyze, worked twice between the Lecomte and the Feb. 16 Risen Star and will have two works for the Louisiana Derby, Foley said, forgoing a breeze this weekend in favor of steady gallops.

“I don’t like to pound on them,” said Foley.