Rabbit will ensure live pace in Muniz Memorial Handicap

NEW ORLEANS – Brad Cox said he hopes it doesn’t matter, but there might finally be some early speed to challenge Chocolate Ride out front.

“We don’t have to have the lead,” said Cox, who will send out Chocolate Ride as the highweight and clear-cut favorite Saturday in the 24th running of the Grade 2, $300,000 Mervin Muniz Memorial Handicap on Louisiana Derby Day at Fair Grounds.

A winner in six of seven starts over the local turf course, Chocolate Ride has led from the opening bell in most of those. But trainer Mike Maker is running a “rabbit” against him in the form of Change of Command, with the hope of softening up Chocolate Ride to heighten the chances of Maker’s other entry, the late-running Roman Approval, finally catching him.

“That’s the plan, anyway,” said Maker. “There are a couple of others in there that might even be quicker. We’re just trying to make sure the pace is honest.”

Chocolate Ride will be ridden by Florent Geroux when breaking from post 4 in the 1 1/8-mile race. The 6-year-old gelding will carry 124 pounds while spotting the opposition four to 12 pounds. Besides Roman Approval, the top upset threats include World Approval, a sharp last-out winner at Gulfstream Park, and the uncoupled Bill Mott pair of Take the Stand and Closing Bell.

Can’thelpbelieving did not ship from Florida and will be scratched, according to trainer Graham Motion, which leaves a field of no more than 10 older horses.

The Muniz, formerly known as the Explosive Bid, is named for the longtime racing secretary at Fair Grounds. Muniz died in August 2003 at age 60 after working for the track for 35 years. His Daily Racing Form obituary described him this way: “In a city filled with colorful characters, he fit in well.”

The Muniz middles the 15-race card as race 8 at 3:52 p.m. Central.

KEY CONTENDERS

Chocolate Ride, by Candy Ride
Last 3 Beyers: 96-96-99

◗ Claimed in November 2014 for $40,000, he has become a real terror on grass, particularly at Fair Grounds, while steadily posting Beyer Speed Figures in the 100 range.

◗ Cox said another big effort likely would catapult him to the Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic on the May 7 Kentucky Derby card at Churchill Downs.

Roman Approval, by Roman Ruler
Last 3 Beyers: 95-95-85

◗ A fast-closing runner-up behind Chocolate Ride in back-to-back Grade 3 turf races earlier in the meet, this 5-year-old horse draws favorably in post 2 and gets Javier Castellano back aboard.

World Approval, by Northern Afleet
Last 3 Beyers: 99-83-97

◗ The winner of a pair of Grade 3 turf races last summer at 3, this gray gelding was terrific in his March 5 comeback at Gulfstream Park under Julien Leparoux, who has the mount back.

Closing Bell, by Tapit
Last 3 Beyers: 93-93-92

◗ He wasn’t a factor in the Donn Handicap last month at Gulfstream, but that was on dirt, and his better efforts clearly have come over grass.