Iron Fist likely headed to New Orleans Handicap

Iron Fist, who won the $100,000 Maxxam Gold Cup last month at Sam Houston, is under consideration for the Grade 2, $400,000 New Orleans Handicap on April 1 at Fair Grounds, said trainer Steve Asmussen. The horse worked at Fair Grounds on Monday, going six furlongs in 1:12.40.

“He’ll most likely run in the New Orleans Handicap,” Asmussen said. “He’s trained well there coming off the win. It’s the right time to try him.”

Iron Fist won at the New Orleans Handicap distance of 1 1/8 miles in the Maxxam and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 95. He is a son of Tapit owned by Stonestreet Stables and Regis Racing. Iron Fist is a full brother to Grade 2 winner Anchor Down and a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Sweet Lulu.

Union Jackson, a romping winner of the Sam Houston Sprint Cup last month for Stonestreet, is scheduled to run next at Keeneland because he has fared so well over the main track there in the past, said Asmussen. Union Jackson is 2 for 2 at Keeneland. He earned a 95 Beyer at Sam Houston.