Thunder Louie wins on dirt

Thunder Louie was winless on dirt going into the $36,000 Lord Juban Stakes. Mambo Meister entered the race off a stakes win over the main track. All of which left handicappers scratching their heads after Thunder Louie drew off to an easy 4 3/4-length victory over Unbridled Heat, with Mambo Meister struggling home a well-beaten third as the 2-5 favorite in the overnight Lord Juban stakes originally scheduled for the turf.

Thunder Louie, a son of Skip to the Stone, appeared to have a better chance of springing the upset had the Lord Juban remained on grass since he had registered his only career win over the turf earlier this meet. But the improving colt found the switch back to dirt no obstacle as he angled three wide to commence his rally on the far turn, readily ran down pacesetting Unbridled Heat in early stretch, and then steadily increased his advantage to the wire.

Mambo Meister, winner of the Ride the Rails overnight stakes in his previous start, was hung wide around the first turn of the 1 1/16-mile race. He ran within easy striking distance but lacked a closing response and ultimately finished 1o1/4 lengths behind Unbridled Heat, a rival he had defeated easily in the Ride the Rails.

Thunder Louie was ridden by Juan Leyva for trainer Eddie Plesa Jr. and paid $13.60 after covering the distance in 1:46.25 over a fast track. Thunder Louie was bred and is owned by the Thorobeam Farm.