Jensen runs way into Louisiana Derby consideration

NEW ORLEANS – Trainer Larry Jones said the Louisiana Derby is among several options for Jensen, who dominated first-level allowance rivals here in a 6 3/4-length victory Thursday at a mile and 70 yards. The race had an optional claiming condition, but all seven 3-year-olds were entered under the allowance condition.

“We’ve sure got it in our sights, anyway,’’ Jones said of the March 26 Louisiana Derby.

He and his wife, Cindy, bred and own Jensen, a son of Haynesfield and the Hard Spun mare Spun Lake. Jensen, who led all the way, won for the second time in four starts.

Bloodlines enticed Larry Jones to consider front-running tactics for Jensen.

“Haynesfield was a front-runner,’’ Jones said. “So was Hard Spun. We put him in position to do a family tradition.’’

Ridden by Florent Geroux, Jensen controlled a moderate pace, running the first half-mile in 48.72 seconds and six furlongs in 1:13.50. The final time was 1:42.98.