Owner, trainer think Run Classic has real chance in Louisiana Derby

NEW ORLEANS – Owner Tom Durant paid $475,000 to acquire a colt who would be named Run Classic at a 2-year-old in training sale during March 2020. The price could’ve been higher, said trainer Bret Calhoun, who was working with Durant on sales scouting.

“We thought he was the standout of the whole sale," Calhoun said. "I think in the end the pedigree scared some people away.”

Run Classic is by the young, unproven sire Runhappy, a Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner whose offspring, after a slow start, are showing signs of life. His dam, Pledge Pin, is a Louisiana-bred who won one of six races, topping out at a 54 Beyer Speed Figure. Pledge Pin is by Chatain, a solid racehorse who’s had little commercial success as a sire. The names Glitterman and Ogygian, sources of speed, appear in the female family.

:: Bet horse racing on DRF Bets. Double Your First Deposit Up to $250. Join Now.

“He’s not bred like a route horse, but look at him,” Calhoun said Saturday morning, showing Run Classic, who had arisen from a nap in his stall, to a visitor.

Run Classic, a handsome dark bay, has a long barrel and long legs. He finished a troubled second sprinting in his career debut and won a two-turn maiden race second time out like a horse with ample middle-distance stamina, impressing his connections enough to earn a chance in the $1 million Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds on Saturday.

It was just two years ago that Calhoun won the Louisiana Derby with a horse coming off a maiden win, By My Standards, who did have four races – three going two turns – compared to Run Classic’s two. By My Standards got an 86 Beyer in his maiden win and jumped to a 97 in the Louisiana Derby; Run Classic got an 85 for his Feb. 13 victory. His works on March 4 and March 12 were fast, five-furlong drills that were nearly the fastest on each morning, and Calhoun said it was not only the speed at which Run Classic worked but the manner of his breezes that offers encouragement.

“We know it’s a lot to ask, but this horse is just doing so well right now,” Calhoun said.

Brian Hernandez Jr. has the mount, and Run Classic, while ceding experience, might have a real chance.