Major Fed improving, on target for currently oversubscribed Louisiana Derby

Major Fed managed to finish second behind Modernist in the slower second division of the Risen Star while making only his third career start, second around two turns, and first against other winners. Major Fed is a colt with clear ability and classic lines, and Greg Foley, who trains him for owner-breeder Lloyd Madison, thinks Major Fed will find improvement in the Louisiana Derby.

“The horse, right this minute, is doing great and is just ready to go,” Foley said Wednesday.

Major Fed, in his first work since the Risen Star, ripped through a solo drill officially timed in 47 seconds, the fastest of 107 half-mile works that morning at Fair Grounds. Foley said Major Fed galloped out five furlongs in roughly one minute and six furlongs in about 1:12.

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“He came off the track like he’d done nothing. I just think he’s coming around at a really good time. He’s been a little short on experience and he’s figuring things out,” said Foley, who plans on working Major Fed just once more before the March 21 Louisiana Derby.

Major Fed will have no trouble getting into the Louisiana Derby, but as of Tuesday, Fair Grounds racing officials had 16 horses listed as possible runners in a field capped at 14. Listed in order of earnings, which will decide the last horses into the race, the prospective field includes Enforceable, Modernist, Ajaaweed, Ny Traffic, Silver State, Major Fed, Lynn’s Map, Mailman Money, Portos, Social Afleet, Chestertown, Mr. Big News, Farmington Road, Winning Impression, Fort Knox, and Coach Bahe.

If all those horses were to be entered on March 14, when the Louisiana Derby card will be drawn, Winning Impression would be the last one in.