Maker gives Uncle Walter chance for redemption in Louisiana Derby

NEW ORLEANS – Uncle Walter couldn’t have run much worse than he did in the Risen Star Stakes, where he was beaten 41 lengths by the victorious Gun Runner. Trainer Mike Maker would love to offer an excuse for the debacle, but he can’t find one.

“It’s a throw-out,” said Maker. “I don’t have a lot of explanation.”

Undeterred, Maker will be back at Fair Grounds on Saturday from his winter base in south Florida when trying to win the Louisiana Derby for Ken and Sarah Ramsey for the third straight year. They won it in 2014 with the recently deceased Vicar’s in Trouble and the 2015 renewal with International Star.

“I can’t give up on this horse off just the one race,” said Maker.

Indeed, before his flop Feb. 20 in the Risen Star, Uncle Walter had the look of a potential Kentucky Derby contender. A son of the red-hot young sire Uncle Mo, Uncle Walter was a decent third as the second wagering choice Jan. 16 in the Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds following two sharp efforts in Kentucky to start his career.

Although Maker has a string at Fair Grounds, Uncle Walter has shipped back and forth from his main string at Gulfstream Park, where the bay colt has breezed three times since the Risen Star in preparation for the Grade 2, $1 million Louisiana Derby. Robby Albarado will be aboard from post 8 in the field of 11 3-year-olds.

“We’ve just got to hope he shows up this time,” said Maker.