Run Classic going from maiden win to Louisiana Derby

Run Classic scored a sharp second-start win Feb. 13 at Fair Grounds, going from a promising runner-up finish in his sprint debut Jan. 17 to a 3 1/2-length dirt-route maiden win that produced an 85 Beyer Speed Figure. His trainer, Bret Calhoun, saw enough in the recent performance to aim Run Classic for the Louisiana Derby.

“They only run 14, so I don’t know if we’ll get in, and it’s obviously a big jump in class, but we’ve been pretty high on this horse and we’re pointing that direction,” said Calhoun, who trains Run Classic for Tom Durant.

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Run Classic is by Runhappy and out of the Chatain mare Pledge Pin, a stakes-winning sprinter. Calhoun described the colt as “a big, long, stretchy horse” who looked, regardless of what the pedigree might’ve suggested, like a route runner.

“He still looked green and inexperienced winning last time, but I think he’s a pretty smart horse who can continue to move forward,” said Calhoun.

Calhoun won the 2019 Louisiana Derby with By My Standards, who came into the race after a maiden win, albeit in his fourth start. By My Standards, a multiple Grade 2 winner in 2020, now has worked twice toward his 2021 debut, which could come at Keeneland in April, Calhoun said. Silver Dust, another older dirt-route stakes horse, is ready to run now, as is the promising 4-year-old Mailman Money. Calhoun is seeking the right spot for both horses and will consider entering them in the Razorback at Oaklawn, to be run Saturday.