The Pickett Factor prevails in Prelude Stakes

The Pickett Factor earned a fees-paid berth in next month’s Grade 2, $400,000 Super Derby at Louisiana Downs with an authoritative win in the track’s prep Saturday, the $100,000 Prelude Stakes. It was the third consecutive victory at the meet for The Pickett Factor, who won by 1 1/4 lengths over 4-5 favorite Allied Air Raid. It was another head back to Mobile Bay in third.

The Prelude was one of seven stakes on Saturday’s eight-race program. The remaining stakes were divisional races making up the annual Louisiana Cup. The Louisiana-bred races were led by the $75,000 Turf Classic, which was won for the third year in a row by String King.

The Pickett Factor ($7.20) settled in fourth early in the Prelude as Lucky Stranger took the field through fractions of 24.52 seconds for the opening quarter, 48.83 for the half-mile, and 1:13.54 for six furlongs. The Pickett Factor advanced three wide on the final turn, took command into the stretch, and ran straight and true to the wire to cover the 1 1/16 miles on a track rated fast in 1:44.42.

“He gets better and better each day,” said Donnie Meche, who was aboard The Pickett Factor for trainer Ralph Irwin. “If something runs up to him down the lane, he just finds another gear.”

The Pickett Factor earned not only $60,000 for the win but also a free berth in the Super Derby, which will be run Sept. 12. The berth is worth $4,000.

The Pickett Factor, who races for Melissa Cantacuzene, has now won four of five career starts. He is a son of Gold Tribute and was bred in Louisiana by E.O. Pickett. The horse’s win streak started in June, when he won a first-level allowance by 5 1/4 lengths at Louisiana Downs. He then conquered two turns in his first route attempt in July, cruising to a 5 3/4-length win over older horses in a second-level allowance at Louisiana Downs.