Mr. Bowling wins $175,000 Lecomte
January 21, 2012NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Mr. Bowling pulled ahead on the upper stretch Saturday and held off favorite Z Dager by a head to win the $175,000 Grade III Lecomte Stakes for 3-year-olds.
Jockey Robby Albarado kept Mr. Bowling just behind the leaders before making his move, pulling out a lead of about a length before holding on to take the first of three races for Kentucky Derby hopefuls held during the Fair Grounds' winter meet.
Trained by Larry Jones, Mr. Bowling ran the mile and 70-yard course in 1:43.49 and paid $9.20, $4.80 and $4.00. Z Dager paid $4.80 and $3.60. Third-place Shared Property paid $3.80.
The Fair Grounds' next two major races are the $300,000 Risen Star Stakes on Feb. 25 and the $1 million Louisiana Derby on April 1.